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Outdoor Tips, Tricks, Inspiration and Activities | MEC Blog

Looking to buff up your skills or start learning about safe travel in snowy environments? We asked the pros at Avalanche Canada about the best ways to get set for the season.  

## What are your top 3 backcountry travel tips?  

Avalanches might not be the first thing on your mind when you're exploring mountains, but you don’t have to ski or snowboard in big terrain to be at risk. Lots of hiking and snowshoe trails are in avalanche terrain and knowing how to stay safe is an important part of travelling in the winter environment.  

1. Take an [Avalanche Canada Training course](https://www.avalanche.ca/training). Avalanche Skills Training 1 (AST 1) is a must for everyone recreating in the backcountry. You’ll learn how to recognize avalanche terrain, understand forecasts, plan trips and perform a companion rescue. It’s also a great way to meet adventure partners.  
2. Check out our online tutorial, [Avy Savvy](https://avysavvy.avalanche.ca/). It’s a free, interactive introduction to avalanche safety. It’s also a great refresher for those with some education.  
3. Being prepared for the season starts long before the trailhead. We never head out until we’ve checked all of our gear, replaced batteries in our transceivers, and most importantly, done a few companion rescue practice scenarios with our group.

*Photo: Jennifer Coulter, Field Program Supervisor at Avalanche Canada*

## Are there other good resources people might not know about?  
- [Rescue at Cherry Bowl](https://avalanche.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=865353c8e713ab831d1fde08f&id=5aad11093c&e=6656f3523e) is a gripping story of a real avalanche rescue, and a great reminder that keeping your companion rescue skills sharp can save lives.  

- [The Ice Climbing Atlas](https://www.avalanche.ca/resources/ice-climbing/atlas) is a resource that outlines the avalanche terrain and lists historical observations for popular climbs in the Canadian Rockies. It’s spearheaded by our Avalanche Ambassador, [Sarah Hueniken](https://www.avalanche.ca/ambassadors#sarah-hueniken). It’s a must-have tool for anyone planning to ice climb this winter.  

- [Avalanche Canada Forecasters’ Blogs](https://www.avalanche.ca/blogs) are useful for in-depth analyses of the snowpack, discussions about conditions for specific areas, incidents and avalanche rescue technologies – any topic forecasters want to talk about either directly or loosely related to avalanches.  

## Tell us about the webinars  
Avalanche Canada hosts a [free webinar series](https://www.avalanche.ca/events/avalanche-canada-webinars-series-2023-24) on Wednesdays at 7pm PT. You need to register to secure your spot for the live sessions, but you can access the [recorded webinars](https://avalanche.ca/education/recorded-webinars) anytime. Topics for the 2023-24 season include recognizing avalanche terrain, trip preparedness, skiing in out-of-bounds areas and advice from Search and Rescue specialists.  

*Photo: Avalanche Canada, Avalache Canada mobile app*

## How does someone check an avalanche forecast throughout the season?
Forecasting begins November 24, 2023. Forecasts are issued every day at 4pm (a little later in Newfoundland) for the following day and include an outline of expected trends for two days after that. This three-day forecast allows you to plan ahead.  

Visit [avalanche.ca](https://avalanche.ca/mountain-information-network) (for info from forecasters in Quebec, visit [avalanchequebec.ca](https://avalanchequebec.ca/bulletin-davalanche/)) or use the [Avalanche Canada mobile app](https://app.avalanche.ca/) on iOS or Android. The app is also available from the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store. Make sure to check for the Avalanche Canada logo to download the right one. Use the site or app to find a region on the map or by searching a place name, then open the forecast for that specific region. We use a flexible forecasting system, so the regions change with conditions and the map may look different from day to day. Check out this [video tutorial](https://vimeo.com/758096039/ef015aba9e) and [FAQs](https://www.avalanche.ca/forecasts) to learn more.  

You can also use the Mountain Information Network (MIN) to get updates as users add them.  

## Tell us more about the MIN – how does it help?  
The [Mountain Information Network](https://www.avalanche.ca/mountain-information-network) is a free service for getting and sharing real-time, location-specific information. It’s an important tool for recreationists and forecasters to share info about riding, ice, avalanche, snowpack and weather conditions plus incidents in real time. You can post and view info on our website or through the app.  

Sharing information helps others make better decisions about where and when to ride safely. It also helps forecasters provide better public information in areas where data sources are scarce, such as the northern Rocky Mountains and parts of the southern Purcells.  

> “You don’t need to be an expert to post on the MIN, often a simple description of the conditions and an image make an incredibly helpful report."

*Photo: Avalanche Canada, K8 Mountaineering Club of Alberta during AST-1*

## Other than the big 3, any other safety gear you recommend?  
If you’re in avalanche terrain, you must carry the right gear and know how to use it. Everyone in your group needs essential rescue gear (avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe) and the training to use it effectively in an emergency.  

Other safety tools to consider:  
- [Avalanche airbags](https://www.mec.ca/en/products/snow/avalanche-safety-gear/avalanche-air-bag/c/2084) can help reduce the severity of the effects of being caught in an avalanche by reducing burial depth or even preventing burial. It’s important to remember though that they aren’t a “silver bullet” for avalanche safety.  
- [Emergency communication devices](https://www.mec.ca/en/products/electronics/satellite-communicators-and-locators/c/1149), though not a substitute for [companion rescue](https://www.avalanche.ca/glossary#companion-rescue) or self-sufficiency, being able to communicate in an emergency is valuable. GPS-based devices that rely on a commercial satellite network allow you to communicate short text messages and/or location coordinates to friends and family or send emergency calls for help.  

## What’s the biggest myth you want to bust?  
There are so many backcountry safety and avalanche myths – we could write an entire blog post about them. Probably the most important one: if your group got back safe, don’t assume you didn’t make any mistakes. We all get lucky sometimes. When you debrief at the end of the day, it’s valuable to discuss where the group might have made poor choices and got away with it.  

We also want to remind people that avalanche terrain doesn’t need to be in front of you. Overhead hazard can be easy to overlook when planning a route, especially when you’re not planning to enter avalanche terrain directly.  

## Favourite snacks for a backcountry trip?  
Our team has lots of opinions about backcountry snacks, but our go-to choices include dried mango, peanut butter and crackers, and chocolate covered almonds. They’re easy to eat on the skin track and provide lots of quick energy.  

On particularly chilly days, consider bringing a hot beverage. Nothing hits the spot on a cold day quite like a flask full of hot chocolate, tea or coffee.  

## Must-pack items (beyond the obvious) for a ski trip?  
There are so many things to make your trip safer and easier (e.g. extra layers, spare gloves) it’s hard to narrow it down. But we’d highly recommend a first aid kit and a gear repair kit. If you’re staying in a lodge or hut, earplugs are a small addition that can change your entire trip experience!

## Related articles
- [Avalanche safety gear and training](/en/explore/avalanche-safety-gear-and-training)
- [How to choose backcountry skis](/en/explore/backcountry-skis)
- [How to choose base layers](/en/explore/how-to-choose-base-layers)


Advice from the experts at Avalanche Canada

How to get ready for winter backcountry adventures

Empowering more people to get outside is one of our favourite things. That’s why we’re super excited to launch technical plus size hiking gear from MEC Label – because awesome outdoor adventures start with finding your right fit. While we haven’t been able to make all the gear we have in mind (idea overload!), we’re psyched that this collection marks the start of our latest MEC Label journey.

As a retailer, MEC has carried plus sizes from brands like Girlfriend Collective, Alder Apparel, Gregory and Outdoor Research for years. But when it comes to plus size gear designed by our in-house MEC Label team, we totally recognize that we’re late to the party. So this is long overdue, but we’re stoked to finally be able to offer technical plus size hiking gear by our very own MEC Label.


One thing we’re especially pumped about? The collection is created to be a system. We’ve designed base layers, insulated jackets, rain shells, hiking pants and more to work together for rain, wind, snow and demanding conditions. It’s thoughtful, it’s technical and it’s just part of our continued commitment to supporting diversity in the outdoors.

It’s also just the beginning. Think of this launch as our arrival to the trailhead: we’ve double-knotted our laces and plotted our route, but we have a long way to go (and a lot more ideas).

*We took classic MEC favourites like the Rapidi-T Long Sleeve Shirt, Uplink Jacket and Borderland Pants and tailored them to plus size requirements.*

## What is plus sizing?

There are a lot of terms floating around out there: plus sizes, extended sizes, straight sizes – so let’s break it down a bit. “Plus sizing” means we don’t just take “straight sizes” (a.k.a. small, medium, large) and make them bigger. Plus sizes consider fuller hip to waist ratios, so you don’t end up with shells that squeeze the shoulders or rain pants that gape at the hips.

**Fun fact:** the [Smash + Tess x MEC collab](/en/explore/smash-tess-mec-collab) on the Fresh Air Fleece Jumpsuits in 2022 was a pivotal learning point for our design team when it came to working with measurements and fit for women’s plus size clothing.


> “We went through interviewing and fitting to make sure that we had 1X, 2X, 3X and 4X sizes. It was important that we weren’t just doing one fitting for one size and grading.” – Sophie, Director Product Creation, MEC Label  

## Community-led design 
All this work: designing, testing, fitting, gathering feedback, re-designing and re-testing, took about two years from initial design conception to seeing gear land in stores and on mec.ca. 

In the development process, we leaned on the expertise of our community to pinpoint the problem areas in plus size gear on the market right now. Our in-house design team collaborated with other outdoor brands and plus size voices in the outdoor industry to identify challenges people face, from in-store shopping to summit.



> “It was great to be part of the gear-testing process. Being able to contribute suggestions and changes to the clothing was a good feeling. I’m excited for people to try the Uplink Jacket!” – Kaila, MEC product tester

The key takeaway was simple: women want technical performance gear without compromising on comfort and colour. 

## More technical options. More people outside.
We listened to what our community was looking for: a plus size performance hiking gear collection with base layers, insulation, shells and pants that are versatile, but work together. We wanted to give more people more technical options, which meant layers you can mix and match, pull on and peel off as needed. Adventuring outdoors in gear that forces you to choose between staying dry and staying warm is not only uncomfortable but can be seriously unsafe in the wrong conditions. The   leggings you wear running errands and summer car camping just aren’t going to cut it when you’re pushing pace up Mount Robson.

Another theme we heard? Not enough colour options. Outdoor brands with great technical gear mainly carried plus sizes in neutral colours like black, greys and navy, which not only can be unsafe as they’re hard to spot in the dark, but also begged the question: what good is great performance gear if you don’t love wearing it? So we took the colours we have for other sizes, and continued them in this collection, too.

> “I look for fit, function and colour. I feel MEC has done this well and I can’t wait until they have even more plus options going up to 4X.” – Kaila, MEC product tester

*MEC product tester, Rebecca took her Uplink Jacket and Borderland pants for a spin in Grasslands National Park this fall.*

When you’re investing in gear, you want to make sure it’s something you’ll love year after year. That’s why we’re carrying MEC plus size hiking products in select stores so you can try them on for fit and comfort before your next multi-day or alpine ascent. “Through the fitting process we started to whittle out products that weren’t right. We wanted to make sure the gear we launched with fit the best, was the most comfortable, retained the most warmth and kept [testers] the driest,” says Emily, Category Manager of MEC Label.

## What’s next for plus size MEC Label?
The new MEC Label plus size hiking gear collection is our first step on a much longer journey. It’s been awesome hearing such incredible feedback from our community and we’re looking forward to releasing more MEC favourites in plus sizes in the future.

**Hint:** Hey skiers, keep an eye on our channels when the season picks up. Our plus size ski gear lineup will be dropping with the first powder flurries. 


*Photo credits: Header image and bottom image courtesy of MEC product tester, Kaila Walton.*

## Related articles
- [How to choose base layers](/en/explore/how-to-choose-base-layers)
- [How to wash waterproof jackets and pants](/en/explore/caring-for-a-waterproof-jacket)
- [Wool garments for the outdoors](/en/explore/wool-garments-for-the-outdoors)


We're excited to launch plus size hiking gear by MEC Label, a technical collection of base layers, rain shells, insulated jackets and more.

MEC Label: plus size hiking gear

New from MEC Label: plus size hiking gear

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a deeply important day to recognize and commemorate the legacy of residential schools in Canada. The significance of the date, September 30, stems from [Orange Shirt Day](https://orangeshirtday.org/about-us/).

We encourage you to learn more about the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada calls to action, including the responsibilities of organizations, in the [Calls to Action report](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/british-columbians-our-governments/indigenous-people/aboriginal-peoples-documents/calls_to_action_english2.pdf).

## Our journey this year
As an organization, we’re committed to our journey towards Truth and Reconciliation year-round. MEC supports partnerships focused on reconciliation in the outdoors. A few of our latest steps for 2023:

- This year, MEC connected with the Tsleil-Waututh Nation, who shared that they have need for gear for their outdoor school for Indigenous youth. We plan to coordinate a gear donation tailored to their specific needs.
- MEC will also make monetary donations to both the Orange Shirt Society and the [Sníchim Foundation](https://snichimfoundation.ca/), a non-profit focused on revitalizing the language of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh people.
- Through MEC Outdoor Impact, we’re proud to support [Spirit North](https://www.spiritnorthxc.ca/) as part of our commitment to Reconciliation. Spirit North empowers Indigenous youth to be unstoppable in sport and in life. Their programs are developed in co-creation with Indigenous communities for self-determination in health, sport, and play. As part of a long-term partnership, we support Spirit North with funding and gear donations.

## Our continued commitments
MEC's journey towards Truth and Reconciliation continues. As part of our [Outdoor Impact program](/en/explore/outdoor-impact), we’re committed to increasing equitable access to the outdoors through community programming, funding and gear donations. We also hold all our partners and collaborators accountable to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Truth and Reconciliation commitments.

For staffers, we continue to offer internal education, creating an educational hub to connect teams with relevant events and learning opportunities. While September 30 is not a nationwide statutory holiday, MEC was one of the first retailers to recognize National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as a paid day of reflection and action, or a day of paid work.

In stores, we have Land Acknowledgement installations in all existing and future MEC stores and we give this acknowledgment at the start of all large gatherings. This is to recognize and respect Indigenous Peoples as traditional stewards of this land and the enduring relationship that exists between Indigenous Peoples and their traditional territories.

For the products we offer members, we’ve implemented guidelines for our merchandise and design teams to avoid cultural appropriation when sourcing and designing new products.

We’re proud of the work that's already been done and recognize it’s an ongoing journey. We’ll continue to take action in addressing reconciliation across the business, and we are dedicated to creating change that supports a more equitable and inclusive future.

## Related articles
- [MEC Ambassadors](/en/explore/mec-ambassadors)
- [Giving Tuesday: Mountains of good together](/en/article/a-big-thank-you-to-our-community)
- [Queer Gear Kits](/en/explore/queer-gear-kits)


Our commitment and what we’re working on as an organization.

MEC’s journey towards Truth and Reconciliation

As summer winds down (and we get prepped for ski season events), it’s time to look back at all the amazing events we’ve had in the last few months. Have a peek at some of our favourites – we hope to see you at winter events coming up: 

### There’s No Place Like Camp 

To celebrate the camp season in July, we welcomed campers to events across the country in Vancouver, Toronto and Calgary. Big thanks to our friends at The WKNDRS, the [L.A. Foundation](/en/explore/la-foundation), MSR, Nemo and more. Everyone took part in camp clinics, gear tutorials, bingo games and s’mores stations (yum). 

*Photo: Kieren from the L.A. Foundation gave clinics on how to pack your pack and goal setting for the outdoors.*

### Out and About Pride 

This year, Pride was more important than ever. In partnership with Arc’teryx, we had a full weekend of Pride events across the country from June to August – everyone was welcome to come and celebrate their true colours. Local community groups and climbing partners joined the festivities, Vancouver-based artist Leah Day transformed the MEC twin peaks into an epic art installation, and we worked with four incredible artists across Canada to design one-of-a-kind The North Face Base Camp Duffles inspired the outdoors to raffle off. In total, we donated over $5400 to five different 2LGBTQIA+ outdoor communities across Canada – amazing.  

*Photo: MEC members across the country left special “love letters” on the art installations by Leah Day.*

### Learn-to Camp with Parks Canada 

From June to September, MEC teamed up with [Parks Canada](/en/explore/parks-canada) at their annual Learn-to Camp overnight events across the country. MEC members joined us for in-store workshops led by Parks Canada, where they learned basic camping skills and safety in the wilderness. 

*Photo: Learn-to Camp attendees found out how to use a camp stove, set up a tent, light a campfire and more.*

### Moncton Grand Opening 

A huge one! We celebrated the opening of our newest Maritimes-based store in [Moncton](/en/stores/moncton), New Brunswick. Climb clinics were hosted, local musicians played some tunes, prizes were won and delicious coffee was sipped. New friends lined up down the sidewalk (even in the rain!) to get in on the action – over 5500 Monctonians paid us a visit over the three days of the grand opening event. 

*Photo: Moncton members had a blast at the grand openings with live music, gift bags and tasty trail mix at the new store.* 

### International Trails Day 

On June 3, we celebrated International Trails Day – an annual celebration of trails, trail development and the active lifestyle they encourage. On the West Coast, we met up with MEC Outdoor Impact partner [North Shore Mountain Bike Association](/en/explore/north-shore-mountain-bike-association) for a day of trail building and maintenance.  

Want to join us for a Trail Day? [Learn more](https://nsmba.ca/attending-a-trail-day/) about what to expect and sign up for the next event.  

*Photo: Our amazing team helped maintain the Expresso Trail at Mount Fromme for future bikers.*

### Trail Party with Hike MTL 

In Montreal, we joined MEC Outdoor Impact partner Hike MTL for their annual Trail Party. This event is an opportunity for BIPOC of all ages to learn about camp life in a safe environment while highlighting a sense of belonging. MEC staffers joined the event with games, hike workshops and prizes to celebrate the end of the summer season. 

*Photo: The Hike MTL crew met up in Saint-Hippolyte for a day of epic outdoor workshops.*

A major thank you to the incredible organizations who helped make these events a reality, and thanks to everyone who came out and had a blast with us. Here’s to another great summer in 2024! 

Stay tuned for more events as we launch into our celebrations of all things winter soon, with the return of the annual MEC x POW Season Opener (tickets go on sale October 5). 

## Related articles
- [The 10 essentials for hiking and camping](/en/explore/the-10-essentials-hiking-camping)
- How to choose a camping stove](/en/explore/choose-your-camp-stove)
- [Staying warm and sleeping warm](/en/explore/staying-warm-and-sleeping-warm)


Camp workshops, Pride, a new store and so much more. 

Everything We Did For Summer 2023

Everything we did for summer 2023

*One of our favourite parts of ski season? All the ski films that kick it off. MEC is proud to announce the world premiere of* People Like Us, *a short film that explores queer identity in mountain towns and the snowsports world by filmmaker Ryan Collins.*

*Check out the trailer, film screening dates, and a behind the scenes look about the creation of this film.*

People Like Us | Trailer

## What inspired People Like Us?
**Ryan**: I’ve negotiated my sexuality and role in the outdoor sports industry, and the small towns I find myself in, for many years. I’ve often asked myself what it is about the adventure industry and its rural settings that make me, a gay man, so uncomfortable. Is it the activity or the space? What is it like for other queer people in the industry?

*Photo by Laura Szanto*

I’ve explored this discomfort in the past both professionally and academically. I have worked throughout the outdoor industry, from surf, to rock, to snow. While each industry holds up a select few queer professionals, overall members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ still feel out of place.

*Photo by Laura Szanto*

I’m making *People Like Us* for this community, whether they’re a pro or a newbie. This film is for people who live, work, and play, in rural outdoor settings. People who maybe need more than a gay Olympic athlete to feel welcome. I aim to share stories and experiences that paint an honest picture of queer life in rural spaces and hopefully allow for conversations on how both the outdoor community and municipal communities alike can create a more inclusive environment.

## Fall 2023 film screenings
Interested in hosting a screening of your own? Fill out this [screening request form](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfhepY5gduRtI5g_S3FSGkyjT9lcMSjY-22fFinyy7L0HkSEA/viewform) to get started. Keep an eye out for more dates and locations being added to the list below:

- October 14: [World premiere at MEC Vancouver, BC](https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/people-like-us-world-premiere-tickets-717992072617?aff=oddtdtcreator) 
- October 21: [iF3 Festival in Whistler, BC](https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://form.zonefestival.com/?k=ifff_f6ls__;!!M-aA1kM!1PXq22JMfc7cmIVBB_79aLDgxMbuuQWLbg3KIDovq2p1uC3d4AvYSERyIwoDTLezp5iiQiul1bA4KbBBkhMt$)
- October 26: [EVO Portland, Oregon](https://peoplelikeus.splashthat.com/)
- November 18: VIMFF Best of Fall Series in Vancouver, BC
- November 18: [Teton Valley Pride Alliance in Victor, ID](https://givebutter.com/peoplelikeus)
- November 30: [Whistler Film Festival in Whistler, BC (in-person and online)](https://www.whistlerfilmfestival.com/films/2023/mountain-culture-shorts-1)
- December 1: [Performance Series in Revelstoke, BC presented by MEC and Arts Revelstoke](https://artsrevelstoke.com/events/people-like-us-film-by-ryan-paul-collins-2023/)
- December 2: [Whistler Film Festival in Whistler, BC (in-person and online)](https://www.whistlerfilmfestival.com/films/2023/mountain-culture-shorts-1)
- December 22: [Fernie Pride Society in Fernie BC](https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/ticketing/72f8393d-6592-42c5-a4a7-33ba5980ccc3)

*MEC supported People Like Us with funding and gear donations. Additional support for the film came from Mountain Hardwear and Story Hive.*

## Related articles
- [Queer Gear Kits](/en/explore/queer-gear-kits)
- [Kick off Pride season with MEC](/en/article/join-us-to-celebrate-pride-outside)
- [Giving Tuesday: Moving mountains together](/en/article/giving-tuesday-moving-mountains-together)


A short film that explores queer identity in mountain towns and the snowsports world.

Film premiere: People Like Us

The best times outside usually involve people to share them with – your hiking partner, your riding buddies, your family camp crew. So when we got major news, we had to share it with our outdoor communities. We also want to say a huge thank you for making it happen.

MEC just tied for top place as [Canada’s Most Trusted Brand](https://www.uvic.ca/gustavson/brandtrust/top-10/index.php), alongside COSTCO. This isn’t the first time we’ve received this accolade from The Gustavson Brand Trust Index (we also held top spot in 2020 and 2019). But it’s the time we’re most proud to politely toot our outdoorsy horn, because we shot up to the summit from eighth place last year to first place this year.

We know you have a lot of choices out there, and shopping for outdoor gear looks wildly different than it did when we started with a one-page catalogue in the early 1970s. We also know that some things don’t change – gear that’s made to last will help you get outside for life. 

“We’re always challenging our teams to innovate, so you get gear that combines quality, sustainably sourced materials, and has just the right features you need,” says Michele Guimond, VP of Marketing at MEC. “We want to offer products that are made for the long run. Buy once, buy right.”

**To members**: We love hearing your plans and dreams, your questions and feedback. We want to match you with just the right gear for your hike, climb, ski, bike, paddle – you name it. We’re stoked every time you choose MEC.

**To staffers**: You live and breathe getting outside, and you bridge the gap between our stores and the outdoors. Your advice, knowledge and stories are a huge part of the reason people keep coming back, over and over again. 

**To everyone** who’s been part of MEC’s journey for five decades and running: Thank you for choosing us, for trusting us with your outdoor gear, for being members for life.

## Want to know more about the award?
Glad you asked (it wouldn’t be a trusted brand award without transparency). MEC was recognized as Canada’s Most Trusted Brand – tied with COSTCO – in the ninth annual Gustavson Brand Trust Index (GBTI) presented by the Peter B. Gustavson School of Business at the University of Victoria.

This year GBTI featured 407 national and global brands across 33 categories, and more than 13,000 impartial adult consumers participated in the survey. The survey measures brand trust, and different dimensions of trust that influence whether people recommend a brand to their networks: values-based trust, functional trust, relationship trust and word of mouth. For more details, see the [full report](https://www.uvic.ca/gustavson/brandtrust/assets/docs/2023/gustavson-brand-trust-2023-final.pdf).

## Related articles
- [The real deal behind Fair Trade at MEC](/en/article/the-real-deal-behind-fair-trade-at-mec)
- [Bag share program](/en/article/bag-share-program)
- [Return to the mountain: more than a logo](/en/article/return-to-the-mountain)


MEC just tied for top place as Canada’s Most Trusted Brand, alongside COSTCO. A huge thank you to members and staffers for making it happen.

Thank You! MEC Tied for Canada’s Most Trusted Brand

Thank you! MEC tied for Canada’s most trusted brand

Happy Pride Month! This year, MEC strongly believes that showing our Pride is more important than ever. We’ll be recognizing and celebrating 2SLGBTQIA+ communities in the outdoors and beyond, and we can’t wait to show you what we’ve got planned. 

## Return of Queer Gear Kits 

After last year’s super successful launch, we’re excited to announce that [Queer Gear Kits](/en/explore/queer-gear-kits) are back. MEC wants to increase equity in the outdoors, and these grants help support 2SLGBTQIA+ community groups getting more folks outside.  

Last year's recipients are using the Queer Gear Kits grant for all kinds of awesome outdoor plans – everything from land-based cultural activities to camping retreats and bikepacking trips. Take a look at our chat with [last year’s recipients](/en/article/meet-the-2022-queer-gear-kit-recipients) to how they’re using these grants and the impact the grants are having for their community groups. 

### What’s in a Queer Gear Kit?  

- **$1,000** grant for outdoor activities with your community group  

- **Epic camp set-up** for your crew (tents, sleeping bags, camp kitchen gear and more)  

- **Pride outside gear** from MEC  

Applications are open **June 1 to 30** (we’ll contact recipients in August). Spread the word if you know any groups that would be interested. 

## Base Camp Duffle Artist Collab 

Pride month is an opportunity to showcase the talents of incredible 2SLGBTQIA+ artists across the country, so we’ve teamed up with our friends at The North Face for an exciting collaboration. We’ve worked with four artists from Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto and Montreal to customize iconic The North Face Base Camp Duffles in their own unique ways – and you have a chance to take one home. 

You can see the finished designs on our [Base Camp Artist Duffle Collab page](/en/explore/base-camp-duffle-artist-collab), or in-person at MEC Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto and Montreal. The best part? You can enter our raffle for a chance to win one. All raffle proceeds will go to The Canadian Centre for Gender and Sexual Diversity. 

Buy your raffle tickets **before June 30**.

## Out and About Pride 

Ready to get this Pride party started? Join us in-stores for free events to celebrate Pride, use our climbing wall (beginner climbers welcome!), win prizes, and meet community groups. There’ll be music, giveaways, cold plunge fundraisers, local climbing crews to connect with, and much more. We have a hunch these events are going to be super popular, and we’d love to see you there. 

**See event details:** 

- MEC Vancouver: August 5–6  

- MEC Calgary: August 19-20  

- MEC Toronto: June 24-25  

- MEC Montreal: August 5-6  

## Love Letters, in collaboration with Leah Day 
  
We partnered up with Vancouver-based multi-disciplinary artist Leah Day to transform the MEC twin peaks into special in-store installations at six stores across Canada.  

Stop by one of the stores listed below to see the incredible art piece she’s created. Come by, spread some love and leave your own note on the installation to share with your local community. 

**Love letters installation** 

- [MEC Vancouver](/en/stores/vancouver): July 24 – August 13  

- [MEC Victoria](/en/stores/victoria): June 19 – July 16   

- [MEC Calgary](/en/stores/calgary): August 14 – September 10   

- [MEC Toronto](/en/stores/toronto): June 12–July 12  

- [MEC Ottawa](/en/stores/ottawa): August 7 – September 3   

- [MEC Montreal](/en/stores/montreal): July 31 – August 20 

**About Leah Day**:  

Leah Day 
IG: [@leahdayarts](https://www.instagram.com/leahdayarts/)  
[leahdayarts.com](https://www.leahdayarts.com/)  



Originally from the wilds of the Yukon Territory, Leah is an artist, avid naturalist, and fierce environmentalist who cares deeply for our environment and all beings who live on our earth.

## Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion 

MEC is committed to being a DEI leader in the outdoor space, and Pride month is the perfect time to reflect on the work we do year-round to create and nurture a culture of belonging and build an inclusive community for our staffers. The past few years have been a time of learning and growth for MEC; some of the many initiatives we’ve adopted include unconscious bias training, inclusive bathrooms, a practice of sharing inclusive community agreements at every meeting, and an evolving collection of resources and training programs which help staffers continue to learn from the lived experiences of others. A dedicated DEIB (diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging) Committee provides a platform for open dialogue and collaboration which centers the diverse voices of our staffers, to ensure our work is driven from within.  

This June, as every year, you’ll see many of our staffers sporting the Pride flag in the stores. Internally, we’ll celebrate with a series of events, from Pride-themed Field Experiences (outdoor-based gear and activity education sessions for retail staff) to fireside chats, to film screenings and more. At each moment of coming together, we ask one another to reflect on what Pride means to each of us, and how we can all make the outdoors more inclusive, no matter the month of the year.  

While we love, love, LOVE celebrating Pride, it’s important to note that building and fostering an inclusive workplace is a practice, not a project. We are excited to continue to grow and deepen this practice over years to come. 

## Related articles
- [New from MEC Label: plus size hiking gear](/en/article/new-from-mec-label-plus-size-hiking-gear)
- [Film premiere: People Like Us](/en/article/film-premiere-people-like-us)
- [MEC’s journey towards Truth and Reconciliation](/en/article/mecs-journey-towards-truth-and-reconciliation)


Check out the events, collabs and more we have planned for Pride. 

Kick off Pride season with MEC

At MEC, we love the outdoors. But we also recognize that it isn’t always the most accessible or equitable place. So last year, we launched [Queer Gear Kits](/en/explore/queer-gear-kits) – annual grants to support 2SLGBTQIA+ community groups getting more folks outside. 

“Recreating outdoors can be intimidating, exclusive and cost prohibitive, whether it be due to safety, gear requirements or perceived experience level,” said Nicola, Colleen and Jessie from The Monthly Cycle, one of last year’s Queer Gear Kits recipients. “Ironically, it’s some of these systemic barriers that make the act of going outside all the more important to the wellness of different groups!” 

With 64 applicants in its inaugural year, it was incredibly tough to choose among all the great candidates. Congrats to Edmonton 2 Spirit Society, UBC CampOUT! and The Monthly Cycle – the 2022 recipients doing incredible work in their communities. Read on to learn about their outdoorsy plans.  

## Want to apply for 2023 Queer Gear Kit grants? 

We’re opening Queer Gear Kits grant applications again, and we’re beyond excited. Spread the word if you know any groups that would be interested. **Grant applications are open June 1 to 30, 2023** (we’ll contact recipients in August).  

## Edmonton 2 Spirit Society 

[Edmonton 2 Spirit Society](https://e2s.ca/) (E2S) is an intergenerational non-profit organization that was built upon a foundation laid by other 2 Spirit leaders doing the same work in earlier years. They work with 2 Spirit and Indigenous Queer, Trans and Intersex people (2SIQTIP) and their kinship circles to ensure safer and more inclusive access to social, cultural and ceremonial support.  

*Cheyenne (they/them), Interim Executive Director of Edmonton 2 Spirit Society let us know what they’ve got planned:* 

**How will your group use the Queer Gear Kits grant?**

We’re aiming to use the kits to engage in land-based cultural activities that center 2SIQTIP and their kinship circles. There’s a distinct lack of 2 Spirit led and operated culture camps in and around amiskwacîwâskahikan, colonially known as Edmonton, and E2S hopes to develop programming to address this need. We have big dreams of hosting hide tanning camps, fasting ceremonies, and 2 Spirit regional gatherings, all of which will make use of the items in the Queer Gear Kits.  

> This grant will support our endeavors to bring 2SIQTIP community members outdoors and onto the land in more inclusive settings.  

**Why was the Edmonton 2 Sprit Society interested in this grant?**   

For many urban 2SIQTIP individuals, it can be difficult to access land-based activities that are inclusive of gender and sexual diversity. Connection to the land is such an integral part of many Indigenous communities however this was disrupted due to colonial processes. We wanted to apply to support future programs aimed at repairing our connection to the land. 

## UBC CampOUT 

Based in Vancouver, [CampOUT!](https://campout.ubc.ca/) is an annual leadership and community development program that brings 2SLGBTQ+ youth between the ages of 14 to 21 together in an outdoor summer camp environment. They’re committed to removing financial barriers so all interested individuals can experience the outdoors, gain leadership skills, grow awareness of social issues, access critical health literacy resources and return to their home communities with networks of support.  

*Anna (she/her), Camp Director of CampOUT!, let us know what’s coming up:* 

**How will CampOUT use the Queer Gear Kits grant?**  

This year will be our first full capacity in-person camp since 2019, and we’re excited to offer a tenting program alongside the cabin experience. We’ll have 60 campers, 5 cabins, and a bunch of MEC tents! For campers that would like to try sleeping under the stars, we’ll be able to offer them tents, sleeping bags, sleeping mats and their very own cabin leader to really get that campy experience while at CampOUT! Our goal is to aid campers in gaining the skills and confidence they can use to continue to create camping shelters year-round. 

**What’s something you wish more people knew about your group?**  

While there are lots of pay-for-service outdoor camping opportunities for youth, it’s important to us that CampOUT! does not have financial barriers.  

> For 2SLGBTQ+ youth, a price tag on a program may prevent a young person from even talking to their parent/caregivers about it.  

Campers have dubbed our supporters their faerie/fairy godparents making this program accessible to queer, trans, Two-Spirit, and questioning youth regardless of their economic situation or if their families value an inclusive leadership program for 2SLGBTQ+ folks. 

## The Monthly Cycle 

[The Monthly Cycle](https://www.instagram.com/themonthlycyclehfx/) organizes monthly social rides for women, trans, femme and non-binary riders in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Since starting in 2021, they’ve offered group rides and supplementary workshops that promote the idea that cycling can (and should be) fun, safe and inclusive. The mission of The Monthly Cycle is to welcome, encourage and uplift riders that are underrepresented in cycling, and to foster a safe space for building confidence on two wheels.  

*The Monthly Cycle’s three organizers – Nicola (she/her), Colleen (she/her) and Jessie (she/her) – shared more:* 

**How will the Monthly Cycle use the gear from this grant?** 

The gear will primarily be used to support our riders during the annual Full Moon Campout, our beginner-friendly bikepacking trip that occurs each fall. Last year, 23 folks – most of whom had never tried bikepacking – rode 35km of coastal gravel trails to a beautiful provincial park to camp.  

These trips are preceded by a workshop where riders can ask questions about bike-powered adventures in a safe space, and donated and borrowed gear can be distributed so attendees can trial pack and ride their rigs. We’re also in the process of establishing our own TMC gear library that can serve our community year-round, and the amazing gear we secured through this grant is helping us get there! 

**Why is getting outside so important to the folks in your group?**  

We believe that everyone should be able to experience the joys of self-supported travel. Sadly, the reality is that the barriers to cycling are disproportionately experienced by queer women, trans (men and women), femme and non-binary riders. We’re slow-rolling the patriarchy, one group ride at a time. 

> We’re committed to breaking systemic barriers down with the provision of a safe, inclusive space to build confidence on two wheels. 

*Huge thank yous to all the groups building outdoor communities from coast to coast. We can’t wait to hear about your plans in this year’s [Queer Gear Kits applications](/en/explore/queer-gear-kits).*

## Related articles
- [Kick off Pride season with MEC](/en/article/join-us-to-celebrate-pride-outside)
- [Queer Gear Kits](/en/explore/queer-gear-kits)
- [This new outdoor alliance is something to celebrate](/en/article/this-new-outdoor-alliance-is-something-to-celebrate)


MEC Blog