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Outdoor Tips, Tricks, Inspiration and Activities | MEC Blog

From February 22 to March 1, 2020, MEC will present the 16th edition of the [Pentathlon des Neiges](http://www.pentathlondesneiges.com/en). Each year, this event draws in a wide range of energetic people (with a few icicles on the tip of their noses) to the Plains of Abraham to get active in the coldest months of the year. The Pentathlon seems to attract five types of participants. Do you recognize yourself in one of these types? 

## The Super Fan


Outgoing by nature, Super Fans make sure they have the latest colours and threads, even before their training kicks off. They’re the first to pick up a [souvenir toque](http://www.pentathlondesneiges.com/en/node/878) at MEC and add the Snow Pentathlon frame to their [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/Pentathlondesneiges/?tn-str=k*F) picture. But where they truly shine is with team spirit. These are the people that bring your crew together. They’re the force responsible for getting your group on a training schedule, and they know what to say to get you out of bed on [training days](https://www.facebook.com/events/1047714695578697/). They’re also most likely to win the Friendship Trophy for your team. Want to see the Super Fan in their natural environment? Check out: [#mec](https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/mec?source=feed_text&epa=HASHTAG&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARBYDCiHpS8foZO3D9T_eiIYgCvSFG4JLhp6J3GDa1DiWm6eQm_23nkqdGDLNQOPt8e17JgLIaq3I-TkbtSEsivE-oU1ZJ13veUkDZpxxwbvc4nISXmT2BQGKq5dmO4WBTt9QyJw9vXctKGWddLynGACfCJAurd9-5kQQHSWTBvAJ5705TOs-3vSRwlIofruWPJQh5zp8klna6aIIEFbB3SRAcPCwOc9MhDT1kNvDHAtVBbxtnagEyhkoGqj58-TZwL_i0bxqVoOgGpogxVIqoCz7T3MGv7--66ywSQhv-1mMZjAgrsKuTDt52GFjMW0tIZiIFhIEQoEU6LKKDv7TQtmWQ&__tn__=%2ANK-R) [#pentathlon](https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/pentathlon?source=feed_text&epa=HASHTAG&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARBYDCiHpS8foZO3D9T_eiIYgCvSFG4JLhp6J3GDa1DiWm6eQm_23nkqdGDLNQOPt8e17JgLIaq3I-TkbtSEsivE-oU1ZJ13veUkDZpxxwbvc4nISXmT2BQGKq5dmO4WBTt9QyJw9vXctKGWddLynGACfCJAurd9-5kQQHSWTBvAJ5705TOs-3vSRwlIofruWPJQh5zp8klna6aIIEFbB3SRAcPCwOc9MhDT1kNvDHAtVBbxtnagEyhkoGqj58-TZwL_i0bxqVoOgGpogxVIqoCz7T3MGv7--66ywSQhv-1mMZjAgrsKuTDt52GFjMW0tIZiIFhIEQoEU6LKKDv7TQtmWQ&__tn__=%2ANK-R) [#pentathlondesneiges](https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/pentathlondesneiges?source=feed_text&epa=HASHTAG&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARBYDCiHpS8foZO3D9T_eiIYgCvSFG4JLhp6J3GDa1DiWm6eQm_23nkqdGDLNQOPt8e17JgLIaq3I-TkbtSEsivE-oU1ZJ13veUkDZpxxwbvc4nISXmT2BQGKq5dmO4WBTt9QyJw9vXctKGWddLynGACfCJAurd9-5kQQHSWTBvAJ5705TOs-3vSRwlIofruWPJQh5zp8klna6aIIEFbB3SRAcPCwOc9MhDT1kNvDHAtVBbxtnagEyhkoGqj58-TZwL_i0bxqVoOgGpogxVIqoCz7T3MGv7--66ywSQhv-1mMZjAgrsKuTDt52GFjMW0tIZiIFhIEQoEU6LKKDv7TQtmWQ&__tn__=%2ANK-R) [#pdn](https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/pdn?source=feed_text&epa=HASHTAG&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARBYDCiHpS8foZO3D9T_eiIYgCvSFG4JLhp6J3GDa1DiWm6eQm_23nkqdGDLNQOPt8e17JgLIaq3I-TkbtSEsivE-oU1ZJ13veUkDZpxxwbvc4nISXmT2BQGKq5dmO4WBTt9QyJw9vXctKGWddLynGACfCJAurd9-5kQQHSWTBvAJ5705TOs-3vSRwlIofruWPJQh5zp8klna6aIIEFbB3SRAcPCwOc9MhDT1kNvDHAtVBbxtnagEyhkoGqj58-TZwL_i0bxqVoOgGpogxVIqoCz7T3MGv7--66ywSQhv-1mMZjAgrsKuTDt52GFjMW0tIZiIFhIEQoEU6LKKDv7TQtmWQ&__tn__=%2ANK-R)

## The Strategist


They know where they’re going and they know what they want: a victory. And of course, they have an [elaborate plan](https://www.unispourlesport.com/en/event?ev=penta) to get there. After they reserve their spot day one of the [Pentathlon registration period](http://www.pentathlondesneiges.com/en/registration) (probably for one of the solo challenges, because they can do it all, naturally), they train with the dedication and discipline of someone who’s got their eye firmly locked in on the prize. They [prepare properly](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YEQqGNdqt8g&feature=youtu.be&t=385&utm_source=PDN_Liste+de+diffusion&utm_campaign=247becf977-mailchimp_pentathlondesneiges_2020&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_951dbfec4b-247becf977-126293221&fbclid=IwAR0hCi-0Xp3jKpfBW34yutdYQw-DEFzEGYrcD045P__PwPWLCFc8w357-6g), know all the [right workouts](https://www.facebook.com/events/1047714695578697/) and have definitely read [10 keys to a successful winter challenge](/en/article/10-essentiels-pour-reussir-un-defi-sportif-hivernal). Their place on the podium is certainly within reach. 

## The Single-minded Specialist


Unlike the Strategist, the Single-minded Specialist focuses all their efforts on a single discipline… and they know every little detail about their sport. They’ve refined their techniques through [workshops](https://events.mec.ca), and you’ll likely find them discussing an obscure waxing technique with one of the MEC employees in the free repair shop on the Pentathlon site. Passionate as they are, it’s easy for them to forget that other sports exist, so any network outside their discipline tends to be a little underdeveloped. Fortunately for them, many groups (like the [Pentathlon Facebook group](https://www.facebook.com/groups/pentathlondesneiges/?__tn__=HH-R#_=_)), exist to help them extend their reach. If you’re looking for a ringer for something in particular, there’s no doubt that the Single-minded Specialist would be a great asset to your team.



Part Super Fan, part Strategist, the Keener wants to (and can do) it all. They covet both a place on the podium and the Friendship Trophy. They’ll shout “here!” at the earliest morning workouts, and say “cheese!” at the MEC photobooth that supports [#protectourwinterscanada (POW)](https://protectourwinters.ca/fr/). Following a Keener as they do the rounds will give you a serious cardio workout (something to consider for your own training). But the one weakness of the Keener is that spreading themselves too thin can sometimes lead to exhaustion, so there’s a good chance you’ll see them sprawled out on one of the couches in the MEC Refuge at the event.

## The Devoted Spectator


What would the Pentathlon be without them? Devoted Spectators are essential to creating the awesome atmosphere that dominates this snowy event. Although the cheer-genes of most of these creatures are resistant to the cold, there are a few that prefer the greenhouse-like warmth of MEC Refuge. From this cozy zone, they get a prime spot to view the race, along with a chance to try out outdoor gear, rent comfy items for themselves, and sip samples of some bevvies. Inside or outdoors, they’re a key part of Pentathlon even if they’re not doing activities themselves.

Pentathletes: you are all amazing! No matter how to choose to join this massive winter multi-sport party (and no matter what type of athlete you are), we’re always impressed with everyone who makes this event awesome, year after year.

**The 2020 Pentathlon des Neiges is February 22 to March 1. [Register now](http://www.pentathlondesneiges.com/en).**

*If you need outdoor gear to participate in the Pentathlon, you can easily rent it online at MEC stores in*[*Quebec*](https://mecquebec.pointofrentalcloud.com/portal/)*,*[*Montreal*](https://mecmontreal.pointofrentalcloud.com/portal/)*,*[*Longueuil*](https://meclongueuil.pointofrentalcloud.com/portal/)*,*[*Laval*](https://meclaval.pointofrentalcloud.com/portal/)* and*[*Ottawa*](https://mecottawa.pointofrentalcloud.com/portal/)*.*



## Related articles
- [10 key essentials to a successful winter challenge](/en/article/10-essentiels-pour-reussir-un-defi-sportif-hivernal)
- [How to choose cross-country skis](/en/explore/cross-country-nordic-skis)
- [103 ways to make this your best winter ever](/en/article/103-ways-to-make-this-your-best-winter-ever)



The Pentathlon seems to attract five types of participants. Do you recognize yourself in one of these types? 

What type of Pentathlete are you?

When it comes to outdoor activities, hiking tops the list for Canadians. But some hikers take things a bit farther (okay, *a lot* farther) with thru-hiking. What is thru-hiking? “A very long hike, travelled from end-to-end,” says two-time thru-hiker Mik Turje, “usually favoured by masochists, dirtbags, weirdos and those who never want a hike to finish.”

To find out more what it’s like to take on this type of challenge, we talked to Mik along with Bonnie Thornbury. Mik and Bonnie, who each identify as non-binary, recently tackled significant trails, and also brought awareness to the importance of representation of diversity in the outdoors. MEC is committed to supporting diverse lived experiences in the outdoor community and wanted to enable their journeys through our [expedition grant program](/en/explore/outdoor-impact).

Read on for their advice on thru-hiking prep, food and meal advice, tips for gender non-conforming folks on the trail and more.



## What hike did you tackle?
**Left**: Bonnie Thornbury (pronouns: they/them). A six-month, 5000-km solo walk of The Great Trail (formerly known as the Trans-Canada Trail) from west to east from Vancouver, BC to the Kawarthas in Ontario. In spring 2020, they’ll start the second leg of their journey from the Kawarthas to St. John’s, Newfoundland.

**Right**: Mik Turje (pronouns: they/them). Solo 1200-km hike of the Great Divide Trail, considered one of the world’s most challenging thru-hikes. Started from the US border at Waterton Lakes Provincial Park, finished at Kakwa Lake in northern BC.

## How do you get ready for such a big hike?
**Mik**: In many ways you can’t really train for it. What makes these hikes so hard isn’t the climbing or the speed, but the fact that you’re hiking 12 hours per day, day after day, month after month. It’s just not possible to do that kind of training while holding down a job and a life. I spent time working on my weaknesses, like core strength, eccentric movement, hunchy computer back and mobility. But the trail is going to kick your butt for the first three weeks no matter what you do. Be prepared for that – don’t feel like a failure if you’re hurting.

Preparation-wise, the GDT is logistics-heavy. Because it’s a strung-together collection of trails or cross-country routes going through provincial and national parks, you need to book your campsites months in advance. There’s an incredible amount of pre-planning to get your itinerary sorted, preparing your resupply boxes, booking accommodation, and sorting out gear. Every bit of work I put in paid off when I was on the trail.



**Bonnie**: To train, I walked to work – 6K each way – for a couple of months, slowly adding more weight to my load. In terms of skills, I’d spent five years hiking the Pacific Coast mountains slowly picking up backpacking tips and tricks. Experience is the best teacher! I also read up on thru-hiking in books, autobiographies, blogs. The Great Trail was just completed in 2017, so there isn’t a lot of information on it. I reached out to a small handful of people who’ve walked across the country to get an idea of what different sections of the trail would be like.

And although I started meditating long before I dreamed of taking on a thru-hike, I found my meditation practice immensely helpful to keep perspective on the challenges, work through body pain, and make time for deep gratitude each day.

## Top gear recommendations: go!
**Mik**: The [Western Mountaineering Versalite Sleeping Bag](/en/product/5002-382/Versalite--12C-Down-Sleeping-Bag) wasn’t cheap, but it was worth every penny! When I saw how small it could pack and how light it was, I didn’t believe it was real. In day after day of rain on the trail, everyone’s bags lost a bit of loft. That’s normal. But I never worried about being cold in this bag. Also: [Injini toe socks](/en/brand/injinji/products/footwear/socks/c/1203). My feet were wet everyday but two over a couple months, and I didn’t get a single blister.

**Bonnie**: My [Garmin inReach Mini](/en/product/5060-919/inReach-Mini) and [bear spray](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/health-and-safety/bear-safety/c/1207). I took a lot of comfort in the SOS button on my inReach, and I liked that my mom and sister could watch my progress online. Likewise for the bear spray… all the critters I encountered scampered, with the exception of one grazing grizzly that didn’t seem to care about my presence, but having bear spray on my hip belt gave me a sense of safety.



## Food is key to thru-hikes. What are your eating tips?
**Mik**: My favourite trail meal is an invention I call “Ramen Noodle Surprise”:

- Take super high-quality udon-style ramen noodles (Neoguri spicy seafood is my fave)
- Add dried shiitake mushrooms and other veg (I like to dehydrate my own shredded carrots and greens)
- Add coconut milk powder (that’s the “surprise”)
- Top it off with packet tuna

The umami flavour of ramen is great because it is always palatable, even when exhaustion starts to impact your appetite, and the coconut milk powder is a lightweight and delicious way of adding more oil to your meal.

**Bonnie**: After a few weeks on the road, I had crazy muscle cramps keeping me up at night. I discovered that I had to eat constantly to avoid waking up with hunger pains and I learned a bit about nutrition too. Electrolyte drink mixes became a staple, as did dates and (in town) bananas to keep my magnesium up.



## Why do you think people set out on thru-hikes?
**Bonnie**: I think hiking in general is becoming more popular because these incredible landscapes are more accessible. There are better roads to trailheads, more trails being built, and knowledge about trails is more accessible than ever. We’re even starting to see trails built with wheelchair accessibility in mind, ensuring everyone has access to the outdoors. My motivation grew from taking on longer and more challenging trails – a thru-hike was a natural progression. City life and work life can be so busy; even though we’re more connected than ever, I often feel disconnected from myself and the world around me. Time in nature is an antidote to that feeling.

**Mik**: One of the biggest gifts of the thru-hike is the gratitude I feel. A half-decent burger in a trail town moves you nearly to tears; hot running water seems impossibly pleasurable. Gratitude is a cheap joy that no one can take away from you. Also, doing something big and epic and scary shows us what we are capable of, that we are bigger and stronger than we knew. I believe that this kind of growth is such an important part of what it is to be human.



## Any tips for gender non-binary people on the trail or backcountry?
**Mik**: I stayed in the closet as trans for my first thru-hike [on the Te Araroa]. I didn’t love the idea of being asked uncomfortable questions or facing hostility when stuck in the backcountry. Although staying in the closet helped me avoid these moments, it ended up being an incredibly lonely experience. There I was, having the most incredible time, but living a disingenuous double-life and never really allowing myself to be known by my trail friends.

So [on the Great Divide Trail], I wanted to be more authentic, even if that meant having uncomfortable conversations. It honestly worked out great. I finally got to experience real trail community, and although people did have *a lot* of questions and I had to do a lot of teaching, it felt like a worthwhile investment. Of course, my experience was mediated by my relative privilege as a white and masculine trans person, but my advice would be to suss out the people you meet on the trail, trust your gut if you don’t feel safe with someone – your gut is smart, it has kept you safe so far! – but also be brave and test your assumptions of people. People can be surprisingly good (if unfamiliar with our world) and being gender non-conforming doesn’t need to keep you from doing what you love and having the adventures that make you come alive.

Also, if you’re planning on going on testosterone, I don’t recommend starting at the same time as your thru-hike. I thought that it would give me an edge with my fitness (testosterone = muscles, right?), but it took a toll my body. When you first go on testosterone, your body starts to grow rapidly, and you need a lot more food during those first few months. I was easily eating (and having to carry!) double what others were, and I was still starving and exhausted. When I returned home, I found out that I’d become anemic. I’d suggest to either start your testosterone well before a thru-hike, or afterwards.



**Bonnie**: I struggled with gender on the trail – I feel like I’ve lived in a bubble of inclusivity the last five years in Vancouver. It took me a bit by surprise to remember that not everyone is familiar with non-binary pronouns, and some people are outright non-accepting. But I’d also been surprised to meet people in small towns who I would’ve judged to be non-accepting, and then heard their stories about their kids coming out, or someone transitioning at the coal mine and how the company supported them by educating their staff.

Around Nelson, BC, I started wearing a button that says “they/them.” At first, I was a bit uneasy that it would out me in ways that might be unsafe, but instead I found it just helped me identify safe people and increased my confidence to have conversations about gender. Ninety percent of people who commented on it were people who’d already been exposed to non-binary gender and are supportive. The other 10% were mostly curious and open. I definitely had a good number of people message me after we met to say they’re thinking about gender in new ways.

I don’t really have any solid tips – I think it’s still a strange world out there and it’s still uncharted territory in some places. Do what feels safe, be gentle on yourself when you’re not up for the conversation, and enjoy the pleasant surprise when you meet people who are open or aware that you may not have thought would be.

## Hardest day on the trail?
**Bonnie**: Walking in the Prairies in a heat wave. It was over 35 degrees, and I was in the middle of nowhere. I’d anticipated drought and was carrying 5L of water (and topping it up at every chance), but the heat wave and huge distances between towns caught up with me. I was in a water pinch and could feel my anxiety building. When I finally came to a house, relieved, I asked the home owner if I could fill up.



“Oh no, I can’t give you water, I just ran out,” they said. I laughed, barely holding in tears of relief, thinking they were giving me a hard time. “No joke,” they said, “we’re on bottled water here and I just ran out.” I was a bit incredulous and suggested I could draw from their tap and treat it. “Oh, you can’t drink the well water here – there’s gas in it…” I hastily thanked them and scurried off to the trees at the end of their driveway – the only shade for miles – and proceeded to have a meltdown. Stressful as it was, it was a beautiful moment to be cooled by my tears. Eventually I pulled it together and a few miles down the road I found another homeowner who filled up my 5L and more. So heavy, but worth the weight.

In retrospect, I wish I could have asked a few more questions. Gas in the water!? It’s shocking and eye-opening to realize that some people in our country don’t have access to clean drinking water.

**Mik**: Day two of the second section. My Achilles tendon had gotten completely toasted in the first section, and I was forced to hike an eight-day section, mostly on ATV roads, on an injury. The daily mileage and elevation gain/loss was high and it was constantly raining. I had to set up my tent on some unmemorable spot on the side of the road just as an evening thunderstorm began. The weather was too bad to cook dinner outside, so I ate a sad cold dinner of random shit in the tent before collapsing until the next morning. I had never been so tired in my entire life. At one point, I just sat on the side of the road and sobbed like a baby. I missed my partner, I didn’t know why I was doing this to myself, and I wondered if there would even be any positive payoff.



## Best day on the trail?
**Bonnie**: One that stands out was a day on the Columbia & Western Trail in BC. I knew from the map that I had a tunnel to walk through. The tunnels freaked me out – some are up to a kilometre long, and they were always dark, cold and wet. I was inclined to wait for someone else to come along (highly unlikely) or put off the tunnel for another day, but in the end I decided to just get it over with. My solar headlamp wasn’t super bright, so I lit a firestick and headed in. Coming out the other side, I was over the moon to find an old journeyman’s cabin overlooking a small village in the valley below. The weather cleared enough to build a fire and do some writing, and it was such an empowering feeling to have walked through fear (the tunnel) and be sitting high above the village. A thunderstorm rolled through that night, and I was so grateful to be warm and dry.



**Mik**: The last day. It was the end of the longest section of the GDT, and after struggling through mud under the weight of 10 days of food, my pack felt impossibly light. After two months of near-constant rain, it was bright and sunny, and I opted to take an alternate high route through a remote and deeply wild place. I was filled with gratitude that I’d stayed strong throughout all that rain and pain and hunger. I crossed rivers, snow patches, passes, tarns, and brushed shoulders with the biggest glacier on the whole trail that day. From Wapiti peak, mountains stretched south as far as I could see, and I knew I’d come all that way on my own two feet. And once again, I sobbed like a baby. When I looked north, I could see Kakwa Lake down in the valley, the official terminus of the GDT, and I knew it was over.

*Have dreams of doing a thru-hike? Check out [maps](/en/products/travel-gear/books-maps-and-dvds/maps/c/936?b=100-1549-1244) and [guidebooks](/en/products/travel-gear/books-maps-and-dvds/guidebooks/c/932?f=CFIdealForSimple%3ACamping+and+hiking) for inspiration.*



## Related articles
- [How to choose hiking boots or shoes](/en/explore/how-to-choose-hiking-boots-or-shoes)
- [Hiking checklists for popular trails](/en/explore/hiking-checklists)
- [How to pack a backpack](/en/explore/how-to-pack-a-backpack)



Dreaming up a big trek? Check out Mik and Bonnie’s stories. They recently tackled significant trails and also brought awareness to the importance of representation of diversity in the outdoors.

Thru-hiking advice from people who’ve been there

Being a member of MEC comes with hidden benefits: each time you buy something at MEC, part of your sale goes back into the community. That means the headlamp on your wishlist or the toque you’ve picked up for your sister is also helping others get outside.

[MEC All Out](/en/explore/community) (our community program) partners with groups across Canada on all kinds of projects. One way to look at it is that when you give your outdoorsy friend a gift, you’re actually giving a gift twice. Here are 10 of the best gifts *you’ve* given in 2019 – thank you, MEC members!

## 1. The gift of a first camping trip
Camping can seem a bit daunting if you’ve never tried it before. The solution? A program aimed at teaching people how go camping for the first time.

Your support as members has enabled MEC to work with Parks Canada’s [Learn-to Camp](https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/serapprocher-connect/ltc-dlc) program. These courses aim to instill confidence and new outdoor skills so brand new campers can discover the joy of tents and s’mores. In 2019, Learn-to Camp inspired over 100,000 people to go camping. MEC also partnered with [Canucks Autism Network](https://www.canucksautism.ca/), [Power to Be](https://powertobe.ca) and Parks Canada to create a supported version of this program for families with children on the autism spectrum who need a different learning environment.



## 2. The gift of getting close to nature
If you’ve bought something at MEC this year (or any year since 2010), you’ve helped support [Parkbus](https://www.parkbus.ca/). The Parkbus crew offers transportation from cities to parks across Canada to allow people of all backgrounds and abilities explore the great outdoors. Along with bus transport, Parkbus also provides fully guided hikes and outdoor education.

Another program you’ve helped support is the [Save Our Seine River Environment](http://saveourseine.com/) (SOS). With help from an MEC community grant in 2019, SOS is constructing the first universally-accessible dock on the Seine River in Winnipeg. This dock will allow people with mobility, visual and cognitive disabilities experience the water, and will also be great for families, school groups, seniors, novice paddlers, and anyone who wants to connect to nature within an urban environment.



## 3. The gift of safe bike rides
MEC members are big on cycling, so it’s only natural that we’d put some of your purchases to work by helping out bike-related groups like [HUB Cycling](https://bikehub.ca/) (Vancouver), [Cycle Toronto](https://www.cycleto.ca) and [Vélo Québec](http://www.velo.qc.ca/en/Home). One highlight from 2019 was HUB’s Bike The Night event, which saw more than 5,000 people riding in the dark (some of them for the first time) at the biggest party on two wheels in Vancouver.

On the other side of the country, Halifax-based [Ecology Action Centre](https://ecologyaction.ca/) used support from MEC All Out to run their Welcoming Wheels initiative, which helps get new Canadians active on two wheels, along with Bike Again!, their volunteer-run DIY bike shop.



## 4. The gift of new adventure buddies
Adventures are better with friends – and the [PlayCity app](https://www.playcityapp.com/mec), launched by MEC member Hafiz Mitha, helps you find them. PlayCity can connect you with people who have similar activity interests and ability levels. Through our community grants program, MEC has helped the app expand across Canada, with its most recent launch in Montreal.



## 5. The gift of hut trips
You might actually be able to thank your parents for this community gift, since the partnership between MEC and the [Alpine Club of Canada](https://www.alpineclubofcanada.ca/web/) (ACC) goes back at least 29 years.

Part of your purchases provide annual funding for the ACC, so this group can keep finding ways to help Canadians go climbing, mountaineering and get into the alpine. The ACC has an extensive system of alpine and backcountry huts, along with regional clubs and youth programming to make sure the next generation is even more active than the last.



## 6. The gift of clean campsites
Camping in pristine wilderness? Amazing. Camping with bits of orange peels or toilet paper around? Way less amazing.

It’s important to camp (and hike, climb, bike) responsibly, so MEC All Out has kept our partnership with [Leave No Trace Canada](http://www.leavenotrace.ca/home) going in 2019. Many years ago, we provided the organization with seed funding, and we’ve been delighted to see it flourish – we even have our first [Leave No Trace Ambassador](/en/explore/mec-ambassadors). Their training and programs show that even small changes in behavior can have monumental impacts on the outdoors.



## 7. The gift of getting youth outside
Your purchases helped provide [Spirit North](https://spiritnorthxc.ca/) with gear and funding in 2019. This MEC community partner, led by Olympic champion Beckie Scott, is committed to improving the health and well-being of Indigenous youth through the transformative power of cross-country skiing, sport and play. Spirit North reaches more than 50 Indigenous communities and 8,000 youth across Alberta, BC, Manitoba and Saskatchewan each year.

In 2019, your support also allowed us to give a community grant to the Great Canoe Journey project by [Waterlution](https://waterlution.org/). Their goal is to ensure the next generation is made up of outdoor-loving, environmentally responsible citizens with knowledge of the cultural history of waterways. Led by a team of 35 Indigenous and non-Indigenous Youth Advisory Board volunteers, the project engages school and youth groups.



## 8. The gift of more powder days
Those ski socks you picked up do more than keep your feet warm. Part of the sale goes back to the community, and one of the community groups we supported in 2019 is [Protect Our Winters](https://protectourwinters.ca) Canada (POW). POW is dedicated to fighting climate change on behalf of the snowsports community. MEC was the founding partner of POW Canada, and is behind their mission of turning outdoor enthusiasts into climate advocates to keep the snow in snowsports. Snow days with the family are awesome and we want to safeguard them for generations to come.



## 9. The gift of safety in the backcountry
Avalanche safety training is so important for winter backcountry trips. Thanks to your purchases, MEC has been able to support [Avalanche Canada](https://www.avalanche.ca), who deliver Avalanche Canada Training courses, since 2001. They also offer mountain weather forecasts and a free avalanche forecast app to help skiers, snowboarders and snowshoers stay safe.



## 10. The gift of new trails
MEC member purchases have helped us create trails all over the country. One highlight from 2019 was the High Rock Trail building project. Thanks to your support, the [Great Divide Trail Association](http://www.greatdividetrail.com) was able to put on eight trail building expeditions to create 10 kilometres of new trail, and work on the re-route of the Great Divide Trail into the High Rock Wildland Park in southern Alberta. Along with trail building, volunteers learned about the plants and animals in the area, Leave No Trace and conservation of the Great Divide Trail Corridor in the Canadian Rocky Mountains.



*A big thank you to MEC members for making all these gifts happen (and lots more) – we’re looking forward to another year of community projects.*



## Related articles
- [Want to go hiking but don’t have a car? Hop on board Parkbus](/en/article/want-to-go-hiking-but-dont-have-a-car-hop-on-board-parkbus)
- [7 ways to hike and camp responsibly](/en/article/7-ways-to-camp-and-hike-responsibly)
- [Looking for an activity buddy? This app could be the answer](/en/article/looking-for-an-activity-buddy-this-app-could-be-the-answer)





Feel-good alert: these local outdoor projects got help from the Co-op community.

Thank you, members – these are gifts you’ve given this year

We’ve always wanted to know what it takes to compete in this sport, so we took a group of Canada’s strongest climbers through a rigorous Q&A session. Read on to get a taste of everything, from prepping for comps and the future of Canadian climbing to recovery tips and how to keep your climbing shoes from stinking.

Our crew of crushers included:

- Sean McColl: World Champion climber, future Olympian
- Tosh Sherkat: MEC Climbing Ambassador
- [Cat Carkner](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fa3MLSYW_Os): Youth Olympics athlete and MEC Ambassador
- [Lucas Uchida](https://gripped.com/profiles/lucas-uchida-has-incredible-year/): Canadian National Team Member and MEC Ambassador
- Allison Vest: Canadian National Team Member



### 

*All these athletes are part of* *[*Climbing Escalade Canada*](http://climbingcanada.ca/)*, *the not-for-profit group that promotes Canada’s competition climbing community and oversees comps. Through MEC All Out (our community program), MEC is the CEC’s* *[*founding partner*](/en/explore/partnerships)*, *and we’re excited to support the development of young climbers in our country.*



#### 1. Climbing at the Olympics combines three disciplines: speed climbing, bouldering and lead climbing. What do you think of this format?
I was heavily involved with the format of combined for Tokyo 2020. As the IOC only gave the **IFSC one set of medals**, the combined of all three disciplines made perfect sense. For the 2024 Games, speed has been proposed to be split apart. The goal of the IFSC was always to have at least three set of medals for our original three disciplines of speed, lead and boulder. – Sean McColl



#### 2. What’s your favourite discipline to compete in?
Bouldering. A big part of that is due to the atmosphere at the competitions. There’s an **electric energy** at a good bouldering comp that’s just so fun to climb in. It’s more fast-paced and less mentally taxing. – Cat Carkner

I have always been split between lead and bouldering. I like having to **adapt to different scenarios** and using my mind to problem solve and execute. I find the mental components of lead and bouldering really interesting. – Lucas Uchida



#### 3. What does a typical week of training look like?
It depends on what phase of training I’m in. For the most part, I train five to six days a week, for three to six hours per day. A day can have any combination of: warmup, hanging, campusing, bouldering skills, circuits, lead climbing, cardio, stretching, mobility, recovery exercises. On average, this means anywhere from **15 to 30 hours per week**. – Sean McColl

I won’t give you all my secrets, but a typical week involves a lot of work on the **components of climbing**, rather than just climbing. I usually spend two to three days focusing on the strength components and two to three days focusing on technical skills. – Tosh Sherkat

Training **varies depending on the season**. If it’s lead season, I spend a lot of time going round and round on circuit walls. If it’s bouldering season, I get as much variety in styles of climbing as I possibly can. – Allison Vest

A typical week involves five days being in the gym climbing. Among those five days are two days of strength training. There’s **a lot of climbing involved**. – Lucas Uchida



#### 4. How do you mentally prepare for a comp?
The same way I do before every competition: think of how much time I spent training to get there, and enjoying the process of being able to **represent my country**. – Sean McColl

I like to spend some time before imagining the sensations I might feel competing. Kind of a **mental rehearsal** of all the feelings I might have and how I would deal with them. – Lucas Uchida



#### 5. What’s it like to compete in front of a crowd?
It may sound weird to some people, but I love it. I have always loved it. Maybe it’s because I am a bit of a drama queen, but I have always fed on the **energy of a large crowd** and allowed it to build me up while I am competing. – Allison Vest

Fun, thrilling, and exciting. The **bigger the crowd** the better! – Sean McColl

I like it. I’m not totally sure why, but I know that when the clock is running down; I want to do the climb, and the crowd wants me to do the climb and it **just feels very wholesome**. – Tosh Sherkat



#### 6. How important is it to you to be a mentor to the next generation of Canadian climbers?
To be a mentor, especially to Canadians, is one of my ultimate goals. I know that eventually I will stop competing, but if knowledge can be passed on repeatedly, then the **program will continue to thrive**. – Sean McColl

To me, it is one of the most important things. Obviously as an athlete I want to succeed and reach my goals, but the **development of climbing in Canada** in general is also extremely important. I was lucky enough to have role models and mentors growing up and if I can make a difference to even just one kid, that would be super cool. Across the boards, our youth team is psyched, kind, and passionate. The future looks bright. – Allison Vest

I have worked as a coach for a competitive youth team for the last two years. I spend a lot of time with them and find it important to be a **part of the next generation**. – Lucas Uchida



#### 7. What’s your favourite part of the team Canada comp jerseys?
The white, the red, and **the pride I feel** while wearing it. – Sean McColl

The speckled “CANADA” side panels. **So slick**. – Allison Vest

This is the first time we have had a jersey made from scratch specifically for the team. For me it represents a **big step in the right direction**. – Lucas Uchida



#### 8. Who do you look to for inspiration?
I really admire climbers who have used their **influence to advocate for positive change**, like Alex Honnold and Tommy Caldwell. On a pure admiration basis, I’m a big fangirl for Janja Garnbret and Akiyo Noguchi. – Cat Carkner

**Sonnie Trotter**. He was my coach when I was 15, and he displays such an unbridled love for the sport and for his own stoke! The IFSC livestream is also a huge inspiration. I obsessively watch world cups, and try to replicate the movements in my own training. – Tosh Sherkat



#### 9. Top tips to recover after an intense comp or training sesh?
Active recovery, and then **rest**. Many kids don’t know how to properly rest anymore, it’s weird. – Sean McColl

**Epson salt baths** are the waaaaaaay. – Tosh Sherkat



#### 10. As a competitive climber you travel a lot. What’s your favourite place you’ve competed?
**Japan** was one of the coolest places I’ve gotten to visit. I like the culture, the food, and the Japanese are very respectful like Canadians. – Sean McColl

**Vail** is always fun because you are competing in the mountains and are surrounded by an outdoor sport culture. **Wujiang** is a favourite of mine because of how different China is from home and how the competition venue and accommodation are right next to each other. Creates a bit of a community even if it’s just for the event. – Allison Vest



#### 11. Best travel hack when you’re on the road?
Eye mask for sleeping. I am super light sensitive so when I am travelling (or when I am at home) I always make sure to **bring my eye mask**. I usually even pack an extra in case something happens to the first one. Crucial beta. – Allison Vest



#### 12. What’s the best way to clean climbing shoes?
I sprinkle some **baby powder** in them everyday. During comps I lay out a foot towel under the boulder so I can wipe off excess chalk from the mat. – Cat Carkner

I shove chalk up my nose. There’s **no cure** for my stinky-shoes. – Tosh Sherkat



#### 13. Last one: how do you stay motivated?
The **next competition**. – Sean McColl

Reflecting on my goals and on how far I’ve come keeps me motivated. As long as I’m **psyched for more**, I feel like I’m doing the right thing. – Allison Vest



## Want to know more about comp climbing in Canada?
Check out the [CEC](http://climbingcanada.ca/en/home/) – they’re doing a lot behind the scenes to amp up climbing as an organized sport.

“The CEC is working hard to grow climbing all over Canada,” says Joachim Stroink from the CEC Board. “We’re expanding our competition series by adding regionals. We’re also connecting more with gyms and coaches, investing in high-performance programs and working to build out long-term athlete and coach development guidelines.”

“Seeing climbing at Olympics will be huge,” he continues. “It builds awareness in the general population about climbing and makes it seem much more accessible. It’s great for attracting new athletes, building and even stronger base of next-generation climbers, and making everyone proud of our sport and the community we belong to.”

*Top photo: Allison Vest at the 2019 Worlds in Japan.*



## Related articles
- [Crag etiquette: the 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)
- [Rock climbing checklist](/en/explore/rock-climbing-checklist)





A group of Canada’s strongest climbers talk everything from training to how they keep their shoes from stinking.

What it’s like to be a pro comp climber in Canada

We’ve all been there. It’s Thursday, the weekend forecast looks good and all you want to do is get outside and go hiking somewhere beautiful. But what if you don’t have a vehicle to get to the trailhead? Or maybe you’ve just moved to a new city and haven’t met an adventure buddy yet, or you don’t know where to get outdoors near you?

Enter: Parkbus. This bus service is an awesome way to get to parks and wild spaces from cities across Canada, no car required. I’m a big fan – and MEC has been supporting Parkbus as one of our community partners since their humble beginnings.



## What’s Parkbus?
Parkbus connects many major Canadian cities to almost 75 national and provincial parks. It’s been going for nearly a decade and serves about 20,000 people across Canada every year (!). The goal? To help more people get access to being active outdoors. Day trips, family camping or wilderness expeditions – Parkbus can get you there. Check out [Parkbus destinations](https://www.parkbus.ca/destinations) to find trips near you, and see what group hikes they’ve got planned through the [ActiveDays program](https://activedays.parkbus.ca/).

Along with reducing barriers to people getting outside, Parkbus has some other wins. Collective transportation (i.e., a bus) helps minimize environmental impact of individual cars. The team works very closely with national and provincial parks to decide on where to go and when to go, and teaches people to be responsible outdoors along the way.

“For every trip, we send pre-departure info, including tips on packing, safety and Leave No Trace, along with trip preparation for people who are going to remote wilderness,” explains Alex Berlyand, one of the two founders of Parkbus.

“There’s a pretty strong educational component that’s emphasized by our Ambassador program – volunteers on board who talk about these kind of things,” he continues. Parkbus also partners with organizations such as the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society and the Nature Conservancy of Canada to provide experts to talk about the educational side of their programs.



## How it all started
“Parkbus came from our personal experience of living in a big city without a car,” explains Boris Issaev, the other Parkbus founder. “When we turned 18 and started driving, we realized all these amazing places outside of Toronto exist. It was an eye-opening experience, so we wondered why there wasn’t a bus service. We never really expected this to be our full-time job.”

In 2010, Boris and Alex emailed MEC Toronto with their idea for a bus that goes to parks, and a short time later they were invited to the store to survey what MEC members were looking for with a park bus service. “This really was the catalyst for the whole project,” explains Boris.

Initially, the pair aimed to work with larger bus companies, but were pushed back. “So we rented a big white van,” Boris says. “We were under 25 then, and only one place in the middle of nowhere would rent to us. We drove everyone for free out of our own pockets because we didn’t want to disappoint people. On that first run there were some amazing people who really inspired us to continue,” he adds.

Shortly afterward, MEC jumped on board with funding to help kick things off, and Parkbus has been growing ever since.



## Group hikes, free shuttles and more
Along with lack of transportation, other issues can prevent people from enjoying the outdoors. Lack of outdoor skills and gear, financial constraints, and not knowing people to go with are real barriers, so MEC is working with Parkbus to help break these down.

**Guided hikes**: In partnership with MEC, Parkbus offers [ActiveDays](https://activedays.parkbus.ca/), which aims to build communities in the outdoors. These outings give you the opportunity to meet other hikers, go on a guided hike with a Parkbus facilitator, and learn about the park you’re in from outdoor experts.

**Free shuttles**: A free (yep, free) shuttle service you can take from four Canadian cities to national parks. These [TD Park Express free shuttles](https://www.parkbus.ca/parkexpress) greatly reduce the financial barriers to getting outside.

**Subsidized trips**: Parkbus runs [NatureLink](https://www.parkbus.ca/naturelink), a program that provides subsidized trips for new Canadians to introduce them to the outdoors.

In the past three years, Parkbus has really taken off and MEC has been with them the whole way. An idea that started with one bus every few months has grown into multiple programs that work with different age ranges, abilities, demographics and places – it’s exciting to see how they have programming for everyone.

Not bad for something that started out with two guys and a van.

*MEC All Out is proud to support Parkbus as one of our* *[*community partners*](/en/explore/partnerships).* *Top photo: Parkbus trip to Cypress Provincial Park from Vancouver.*



## Related articles
- [MEC Community Events](/en/explore/events)
- [NatureLink: Connecting newcomers to nature](/en/article/naturelink-explore-parks-in-torontos-backyard)
- [7 ways to hike and camp responsibly](/en/article/7-ways-to-camp-and-hike-responsibly)



Your ticket to adventure in the great outdoors. See how two guys with a van have grown into a service that gets 20,000 people into parks each year.

Want to go hiking but don’t have a car? Hop on board Parkbus

*Compared to when you were a kid, it’s easy to let playing outside slide to the bottom of your priority list as a grown-up – especially if you don’t have anyone to play with.**MEC member Hafiz Mitha wants to fix that. See what he’s creating with [PlayCity](https://www.playcityapp.com/mec), and how it can help you bring a bit more activity and outdoor fun into your life.*

**MEC: How would you describe the PlayCity app?**

**Hafiz**: It’s like Tinder meets Trip Advisor, but for physical activity buddies (I know what you’re thinking – not *that* kind of physical activity). You can use PlayCity to match with people near you that share the same activity interests, skill level and availability. You can also discover locations to go play based on your location and find events for all types of activities.

**What problems are you solving with this app?**

Today, we are busy *being* busy. We can have hundreds of online connections, yet stats show that we are lonelier than ever before1. Social media and time online are shifting the way we connect and spend our time. Eighty percent of Canadian adults aren’t getting the recommended physical activity amounts, which has been estimated to cost our economy over $6.8 billion2.

The goal of PlayCity is to make it easy for people to be more active and meet new people in the process. We know that we’re not going to move away from technology, so why not use it to connect people offline? The only time many of us put our phones away is when we’re engaged in an activity with someone else. Ever tried texting and hiking or playing tennis? Yeah, it doesn’t happen.



**Where did you get the idea for PlayCity?**

When I moved back to Canada after living abroad, I was lonely; I couldn’t find a tennis partner who was at my skill level and was available to play at courts nearby. So I decided to take what dating apps were doing to make it easy for singles looking to meet, but instead focus on people who wanted to make friends based on a shared activity interests. I love what sports and activity do beyond just the physical benefits – they help create community, friendships, confidence and are great for your mental health.

**Where can you use it?**

Today, our efforts are in Calgary and Vancouver. So far, we’re at roughly 6,500 users with about 70% of the userbase in Calgary.

We’re so excited about the partnership with MEC and the opportunity to scale across Canada. Vancouver is our next city where we’re growing, and we’re ready to expand across this fine nation with your help. The app shows you users and events within a 100km radius, so the more events and users in a city, the more ways people can get active outside.



**What are you most proud of with PlayCity?**

All the experiences that I’ve been given by working on the app. The entire ride so far has been pretty surreal, from meeting with users who thank us for helping them find friends to play with when they were depressed and in a new city, to the opportunity to meet legendary athletes who join our team.

Partnering with MEC has been an extremely proud moment as well, and so was being invited to do a [TEDx talk in Calgary](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4DIvJbj7gg) to share our story with the world.

**Fast forward 10 years: what’s your dream for PlayCity?**

I see PlayCity as a company that connects all people from all walks of life. In 10 years, it would be amazing to be in every city to help streamline physical activity connections, and get more people off their phones to connect in real life and do things that are fun and great for them. Having a non-profit or charitable arm to our company will help to push the mission forward as well.



**Any advice for MEC members?**

The only advice I’d give to anyone would be to try and make the world a better place. It’s our duty to push things forward and set the bar for the rest of the world. As a country proud of its multiculturalism, let’s help everyone to feel welcome and experience the amazing people and natural beauty that this country has to offer.

**Finally, what gear always comes along when you’re heading outside?**

My trusty [MEC Travel Light Anorak](/en/product/6020-360/classic-rad-anorak) – it’s a pouch that turns into a thin rain jacket – and a water bottle. With those essentials, along with my bike, I feel like I’m ready for anything.



### 

*MEC All Out supported PlayCity with funding through Outdoor Nation to spur on the app’s development, and we’re excited to see it start to connect people in cities across the country.*



## Related articles
- [MEC Community Events](/en/explore/events)
- [Day hiking for beginners](/en/explore/day-hiking-for-beginners)
- [Why we go outdoors](/en/article/why-we-go-outdoors)

*Source for [1](https://www.cbc.ca/radio/checkup/should-canada-develop-a-strategy-to-combat-the-growing-problem-of-loneliness-1.4494726) and [2](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22667697). Top photo: Tyler Burke*



See what MEC member Hafiz has created with PlayCity and how you can join in.

Looking for an activity buddy? This app could be the answer

The outdoors is the best place to be yourself. With Pride season kicking off, MEC would like to acknowledge the importance of celebrating and including LGBQT2S+ communities in the outdoor industry – and we’ve got events coming up across Canada to do just that.

MEC is proud to represent diversity and inclusion in the outdoors. By signing the [Outdoor Industry CEO Diversity Pledge](https://www.diversifyoutdoors.com/pledge/), we’re committed to active changes in the way we hire, market and engage with both our members and other brands. We also have diversity and inclusion team made up of #mecstaffers, including a group for LGBQT2S+ inclusion.

Want to join us? See our outdoor Pride events happening across Canada, and check out my list of Pride essentials for summer celebrations outside.

## Outdoor Pride events across Canada


MEC is collaborating with LGBQT2S+ groups to host outdoor Pride events across the country. Check out what’s happening near you – there’s everything from Rise and Shine Pride Hikes to a Love Floats Pride Parade on the water.

One example of local groups we’re supporting is Queer Outdoors Vancouver, who aim to connect LGBQT2S+ outdoor adventurers. “The purpose of the group is to build queer outdoors community, plan trips, and share skills and resources,” Mik Turje, the group administrator said, “so that more of us can get outside, learn new skills, and feel safe and comfortable while we do it.”



## Pack up your Pride essentials
Make sure you have what you need to get outside and celebrate what it means to be you, your way.

### A reusable water bottle


Hydration is key on hot summer days. Bring your own [water bottle](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/kitchen-and-hydration/water-bottles-and-travel-mugs/water-bottles/c/1233) when you head out to cut down on single-use plastic bottles, and look for [one that’s insulated](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/kitchen-and-hydration/water-bottles-and-travel-mugs/water-bottles/c/1233?filters%5Bcustom_fields.features%5D%5B0%5D=insulated) if you like to keep your water chilly. If you get bored of plain water, add electrolyte tabs or a squeeze of lemon or lime to keep you sipping throughout the day.



[Nuun tabs](/en/brand/nuun/products/camping-and-hiking/kitchen-and-hydration/food-and-drink/drinks/energy-and-recovery-drinks/c/1176) are electrolyte-replacing drink tablets that are super easy to toss in your bag to jazz up your water throughout the day. They’re great for endurance events (and we all know Pride is just that). Get an extra boost to head from the beach to the parade or march, and then back to the beach.



This Topo Designs retro pack is the perfect size to fit your hat, snacks and sunscreen for a day of celebrating. If you plan to be out all day, toss in the MEC Flash Cloud Gore-Tex Jacket too, just in case the weather gets chilly – it folds up small into its own built-in stuff sack. With this combo, you’re ready for anything.

### Sunscreen


Sun safety is the new cool. Buy [sunscreen](/en/products/travel-gear/sun-protection/sunscreen/c/810), apply it, bring extra for your friends who inevitably forgot it.

### Tasty snacks


Kind bars are tasty and this one has a kick of a few vitamins as well. TBH, I’m more about the chocolate, cherry and [Kind Foundation](https://www.kindsnacks.com/foundation.html): fostering kinder, more empathetic communities.

### MEC Cross Wind 45+10L


Planning to leave the bustle of the city on Pride weekend and hit the trails? The MEC Cross Wind Backpack is universal, so it’s designed to fit a wide variety of bodies and it’s unisex. It’s made to be MEC’s most comfortable pack, so you’ll be gayly frolicking in the forest in no time.



Have fun out there!

*MEC is proud to enable LGBQT2S+ outdoor adventures and connections over the years. A couple of recent faves we’ve supported include Queer Camp in the town of Faro, Yukon, which connects young folks to community and outdoor activity; and Trans Canada, an awesome expedition by James Lovasz that brought trans issues to light as he cycled across the country (@transcanada.bike was supported by an MEC expedition grant).*

*Pride can be a time of celebration, but it can also be a tough time for some folks. If you’re looking for resources, connect with [Pflag Canada](https://pflagcanada.ca/).*

## Related articles
- [The 10 essentials for hiking and camping](/en/explore/the-10-essentials-hiking-camping)
- [7 ways to hike and camp responsibly](/en/article/7-ways-to-camp-and-hike-responsibly)



See how you can join outdoor Pride events happening across Canada, and check out our list of essential gear for summer celebrations outside.

The best ways to celebrate Pride outside

*We’re committed to better representing the diversity of the outdoor community we love, so we’ve been reviewing our criteria for what makes for an epic expedition. We realize that funding crazy trips is awesome, but we need to adjust our definition of epic to ensure all our members get the chance to enjoy the outdoors in whatever ways they can.*

*This trip wasn’t a traditional choice, but it spoke to our hearts and to the wonder of new adventures in the great unknown.*

## Nuchatlitz kayaking expedition, BC
**July 28 to August 3, 2018**



It was the last night of our final day of kayaking, and we had the opportunity to go for a midnight paddle. I had the desire to see bioluminescence in the water, so I managed to get in my double kayak and we followed the rest of the group. Our kayak guides with lanterns on their boat led the way.

We floated on the water in pitch blackness, watching the twinkles and tingles as we dipped our paddles in the ocean. Little fish shot out of the water nearby. It was absolute bliss, indescribable, and an event that I will hold near and dear to my heart. Then, to top it off, one of the guides recited the poem *Being Human* by Climbing PoeTree, which highlights the resilience, wonder and mystery of nature.

It was a magic moment, and I feel so lucky and blessed to have experienced it first-hand.

Since birth, I’ve lived with a neurological disability, cerebral palsy (specifically, spastic diplegia, which affects mostly my lower limbs). Cerebral palsy affects everyone differently, depending on what area of the brain was damaged. For me, it affects my speech, balance, mobility, coordination and manual dexterity. As we age, the effects intensifies; the reality is that it takes more effort for us to do activities or everyday things. I have to find creative ways for me to participate in activities.

Over the past three years, I’ve built an amazing relationship with Spirit of the West Kayaking Adventures, and we’ve talked openly and authentically about supporting me on their kayaking expeditions while meeting their needs. This year, after many conversations with them, we decided that an extra support person would be the answer to enable me to experience the true joy of being in the outdoors. The funds from MEC allowed me to bring a friend to help me keep up with the group during the expedition.



The support person’s main function was to be my partner in a double kayak, as it’s much more stable for balance purposes. Other ways my friend supported me was to navigate the challenging terrain, help me get in and get out of the kayak, and assist me with the many camp duties. On trips like these, I’m part of a larger group and I shouldn’t be expected not to participate in larger camp duties – like washing dishes or organizing gear – just because I have a disability. My friend provided the equilibrium that allowed me to participate as a member of a larger expedition.

Inclusion has always been the framework of my life, and I’ve worked hard to ensure that the proper supports are in place. In my opinion, services that support people with disabilities have done well in providing programs and services. However, mainstream programs haven’t done well, since quite often they don’t have the knowledge, equipment or skillset to accommodate people with disabilities. That means the choice of where to participate doesn’t fall on the individual with a disability, as they’re often prescribed to participate in disabled program.

But to me, inclusion is about personal choice – being able to choose which program to participate in. I often don’t feel included in adaptive programs because the level of my disability is mild, so I don’t require any adaptive equipment or special skillset. I just need people with patience, a sense of open-mindedness, and the willingness to think outside the box.



The many conversations I’ve had with Spirit of the West Kayaking Adventures has helped us understand each other’s needs. This is inclusion at work at its finest: there was open communication from the beginning and a willingness to learn from each other. For inclusion to happen, it takes two to tango – we both need to be open and authentic with each other. I need to be honest with them as to what I can or cannot do in order for us to have a successful trip.

With this notion, I’ve been able to enjoy the gems that this province has to offer. I’ve promised myself to always play in the outdoors, slightly tweaking it a bit to ensure that it’s supportive for me to enjoy it with the changing condition of my disability.

The outdoors are where magical midnight paddle moments happen, and where I have the opportunity to reflect and to challenge my limits.



## Karen’s favourite gear picks
We asked Karen for the gear she loved the most on her trip, and here are her recommendations:



### MEC VectAir Sleeping Pad

Warm synthetic insulation to keep you comfy on cold nights. Raised outer chambers on the [MEC VectAir sleeping pad](/en/product/6008-339/vectair-insulated-sleeping-pad) help keep you centred so you don’t roll off.



### Delphinus -9C Sleeping Bag

The [MEC Delphinus -9C Sleeping Bag](/en/product/5060-385/delphinus--9c-down-sleeping-bag) is insulated with high-end down and has vertical baffles over the torso to prevent cold spots, since the down won’t shift as you move.



### Scrubba Wash Bag

Looks like a dry bag, but is actually a little wash bag for your hiking or travelling clothes. The [Scrubba Wash Bag](/en/product/5036-920/Wash-Bag) packs down small when you’re not using it.



## Related articles
- [5 ways to get funded by MEC](/en/explore/outdoor-impact)
- [Mandatory paddling gear checklist](/en/explore/mandatory-paddling-gear)
- [Kayaks 101](/en/explore/about-kayaks)



MEC Blog