Travel and places

Stories

Skills and tips

Gear

Community news

Activities

Outdoor Tips, Tricks, Inspiration and Activities | MEC Blog

Think back to your favourite outdoor achievement. Maybe it was camping on a summit, or sending a 5.12a, or going on your first bike ride as a family. Whatever it was, there’s a good chance you had someone with you to help make it happen. Which is why today, we’d like to share an MEC moment with you – because you helped make this achievement happen.

MEC was just named **Canada’s Most Trusted Brand**… again. We also held the top spot in 2019, 2017 and 2016 but we haven’t really made a big fuss over it publicly before. Add on the fact that we were also named one of **Canada’s Greenest Employers** for the tenth year running, and number one in the 2020 **Best 50 Corporate Citizens in Canada**, and it seemed time to step up and tip our (waterproof-breathable) hat to say thanks to everyone who holds MEC to a high standard in all we do.

**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 know you have more choices than ever before, and we’re stoked every time you choose MEC.

**To staffers**: Every day, you inspire people to be active outside. You’re often the first step in someone reaching their next outdoor goal or trying something totally new. 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 49-year journey**: Thank you for choosing us, for trusting us with your outdoor gear, for being members for life.

## Want to know more about the awards?
Glad you asked (it wouldn’t be a trusted brand award without transparency). MEC placed first in the National Top Most Trusted Brands in the sixth annual Gustavson Brand Trust Index (GBTI) presented by the Peter B. Gustavson School of Business at the University of Victoria.

The results are based on a survey of 7,800 Canadians and, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, a follow-up survey of 1,050 Canadians. The survey measures brand trust, and three different trust areas: values-based trust, relationship trust and functional trust. For more details, see the [full report](https://www.uvic.ca/gustavson/brandtrust/assets/docs/final--gbti-2020-main-report.pdf).

Canada’s Greenest Employers is an editorial competition that recognizes employers that create a culture of environmental awareness. Winning employers are evaluated on four main criteria: unique environmental initiatives or programs; reducing their environmental footprint; involving employees these programs; and whether their environmental initiatives have become linked to the employer’s identity. For more info on the award, see the [reasons for selection](https://www.canadastop100.com/environmental/).

The 2020 Best 50 Corporate Citizens in Canada awards are selected by [Corporate Knights Inc](https://www.corporateknights.com/reports/2020-best-50/). The top corporate citizens on the list are evaluated on up to 21 key indicators covering resource, employee, financial management, clean revenue and supplier performance. Data is sourced from publicly available information, and the organizations on the list set the standard for sustainability leadership in Canada.

Want to see some of the things MEC is working on? Check out [MEC Label products](/en/p/mec-label) and our overall [sustainability and social responsibility programs](/en/explore/sustainability-innovation).



You helped make this achievement happen for MEC.

Thank you: MEC is Canada’s most trusted brand

Calling everyone who loves camping! Between May 11–18, join us for The Big Camp In: a chance to transform your living rooms, balconies and backyards into the ultimate camp set-ups from coast to coast. Break out your tents, unroll your sleeping bags and enter our Big Camp In Contest for a chance to win a full set of camping gear from MEC.

To get you jazzed on camping season (even if it looks a little different at the moment), we’ve put together inspiration and ideas to recreate all our favourite parts of camping at home, from the campfire and bird songs to camp coffee and connecting with nature. Happy camp-in!



## Get a campfire going
The crackling sound of a campfire is an essential part of any night outside. Most of us don’t have access to a firepit at home, so we want to help you set the scene for a cozy night in your tent – string up some twinkle lights to substitute for a starry sky, and just press play:



Fire by the lake

## Brew up camp coffee
A camp morning is incomplete without a cup of joe – there’s something special about the ritual of it all. Whether you’re an [Aeropress](/en/brand/aeropress/products/camping-and-hiking/kitchen-and-hydration/coffee-makers-and-kettles/espresso-makers/c/1781) master or prefer a French press mix-up, there are lots of ways you can get a dose of caffeine:



Who knew coffee + hot water could be so complex? Check out our blog post about [a coffee addict’s guide to camp coffee](/en/article/a-coffee-addicts-guide-to-camp-coffee) for a full spectrum of brewing potential, whether you’re camping in your backyard or living room. Sip and soak in the moment.

## Tune into a camping soundtrack
One of the first things we notice when we get into nature is just how quiet it is. No horns honking or trucks beeping – just the wind in the trees and the people you’re with.

An informal poll of our virtual MEC staffers revealed a split in camp soundtracks. Some loved sitting around the campfire singing songs and others rather playing games and listening to their favourite playlists. Others just wanted to tune into mother nature to hear rivers flowing and crickets humming.

Whatever music mood you’re in – nature sounds or campfire tunes – we’ve got the playlist for you on the [MEC Spotify account](https://open.spotify.com/user/d1wktmvdtzsnx9kdkzg1er88t).



## Create an epic camp meal
A backyard or at-home campout means you get to go deluxe with camp meals. Forget the instant noodles – this is your chance to bust out a delectable veggie curry with toasted naan bread (or whatever recipe you dream up). If you’re indoors for a living room campout, break out your cast iron pan to use in the oven. If you’re outdoors in the backyard, dig out your Jetboil or camp stove (heads up: camp stoves are outdoor products only, so don’t fire them up inside).

To get you inspired, check out our blog post on [camping meal ideas with a twist](/en/article/camping-meal-ideas-with-a-twist), browse a camping cookbook, or try this unique camp recipe by Vancouver chef [Shaun Maclean](https://www.instagram.com/macleanshaun/):



### Camp veggie shabu-shabu hotpot recipe
Simple yet delicious. This Japanese style hotpot would traditionally use dashi broth, but we’ve simplified it to be camp friendly. Serves two. Enjoy!

**Ingredients**

*Flavouring mix*

- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 pack miso soup mix

*Broth and veggies*

- 1L mushroom broth
- Shiitake mushrooms, destemmed and cut in half
- Carrots, thinly sliced rounds
- Sweet potato, thinly sliced
- Radishes, cut in half
- Napa cabbage, cut into eight
- Yau choy (or other similar green veggie), cut in half lengthwise
- Green onions, cut in 2in. lengths, and split the bottom white portion down the middle
- Tofu, cut in 1in. cubes (spicy marinated tofu is Shaun’s personal favourite)
- Cilantro leaves
- Rice noodles, pre-cooked, cooled and tossed in a bit of oil to prevent sticking

**Instructions**

1. Set up your camp stove on a safe, stable surface you can sit around. Make sure to use a stove that’s sturdy and won’t tip over – a flat [car camping stove](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/kitchen-and-hydration/stoves-fuel-and-fire/camp-stoves-and-ovens/car-camping-stoves/c/1281) is a good option.
1. Turn your stove on medium, place a large pot with broth on top. Allow broth to come to a simmer, then turn down to medium low to keep broth at a low simmer.
1. Add flavouring mix. Once its dissolved, get your veggies and tofu ready, but don’t toss them all in.
1. With hotpot, you eat the vegetables as you cook them – sort of like a soup fondue. Vegetables will cook at different speeds, so add the hearty ones first (sweet potato, carrots, radishes) and cook for 4–5 minutes. Add the delicate greens later, since they’ll only take a minute or two. Cook in waves as you eat – it means nothing gets overcooked.
1. Once all the veggies are cooked and eaten, add the rice noodles to the leftover broth, heat fully, and split as a final course.

**Recipe extras**

For a meat-based version, use beef broth and add thinly sliced meat or dumplings. Asian supermarkets often have frozen pre-sliced meats that only need about a minute of cook time in the broth. Dumplings usually only take 4–5 minutes to cook.

Play around with different types of vegetables. Root vegetables do particularly well, as they soak up flavours of the broth. Try taro or lotus root, yams, squash, leeks, broccoli to see what you like.

Like spice? Add chili paste or diced chilies – especially nice in cold weather.



## Find ways to connect with nature
One of the best parts of camping is waking up in the morning, opening your tent and taking a minute to appreciate the epic view… which is bit tougher to do when you’re camping next to your couch or back door. An at-home campout presents an interesting opportunity to notice the nature is around you – birds outside your window, moss on the trees, bugs in the grass.

MEC Ambassador and artist Charlie Easton ([@charlieeaston](https://www.instagram.com/charlieeaston/?hl=en)) believes the small things in nature tell the most memorable stories, and ultimately inspires his art. A challenge from Charlie? “Slow down and notice,” he says. “Notice the reflection in a puddle or the way a cloud dances from your window. No matter where you are, if you take time to notice you’ll have a more profound memory of that moment and feel more connected to nature.”

**Charlie Easton’s nature connection challenge:**

- Look out your window or go to your backyard.
- Pick something big like a tree, the garden or the sky.
- Notice the small things – focus in on something you didn’t originally see. Maybe it’s a shadow or the leaves of your favourite flower. Notice the things you find beautiful and inspiring.
- Jot it down, draw it, appreciate it.



The Big Camp In - Charlie Easton, Connecting to Nature

## Play some camp games
Have some fun! Card games, nature scavenger hunts and tossing a frisbee are all classics. Check out our [camp games collection](/en/products/kids/kids-activities/games/c/1225) for more ideas for your camp in. Some of your usual games might not be easy to do when you’re camping in your backyard or living room, so now’s the time to try something new. Here’s an idea for a no-supplies-needed game to get you, your family, and everyone in your Zoom camp chat moving:

### How to play Action Syllables
A simple, fun game to get everyone up and moving:

- Ask each camper to choose an action/move for every syllable of their name. For example, Sarah has two syllables in her name, so she pats her head for one syllable and spins around for the second syllable.
- After the second camper does their name, the whole group repeats and does Sarah’s moves again.
- The actions keep building as you take turns, and next thing you know, you and your fellow campers have a new dance routine!



## Create camp memories, even if you’re apart
Even if your favourite camping crew is far away, you can still spend quality time and make memories during a camp-in. Some ideas to connect with friends and family during your camp-in:

- **Video slide show**: Video call a camping buddy to re-hash favourite outdoor memories together. If you’ve got photos, you can even do a little video slide show from your living room tent.
- **Plan for real life trips**: Call or Zoom a friend from the comfort of your backyard tent to map out a future trip. All you need are guidebooks, maps and an open mind.
- **Unplug**: Ditch technology for a night (there’s no wifi when you’re camping, remember?) and be in the moment. If you’re solo, journal, draw or read. If you’re with your family, partner or roommate, play games, invent camping s’more recipes or scope out the stars.

Whether you’re in your living room or backyard, grab your hut booties, set up your tent and get ready the most outdoorsy night in yet.



*Joining The Big Camp in from BC? The BCCDC Foundation for Public Health (a charitable partner to the BC Centre for Disease Control) is hosting a BC Stay -t-Home Campout on May 16 with a $5 “camping fee” donation to the fund. If you’re interested, check out their [stay-at-home campout site](https://bccdcfoundation.org/bc-stay-at-home-campout/).*



Join us for The Big Camp In with these tips to set the camp scene in your living room or backyard.

How to create the ultimate campout at home

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

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

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

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

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



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

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

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

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



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

- Nature-based colouring book pages ([download some free ones here](https://www.coloringnature.org/))
- An old hiking sock with spare buttons and fabric to make it into a sock puppet
- Trail mix challenge: what ingredients can they combine for their own special mix?
- House-friendly [camp games](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/games-gifts)
- Collage art station with old magazines
- Daily bingo page of things for them do see or spot

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



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

Fun indoor activities for outdoorsy kids

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

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

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



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



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

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

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

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

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



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



MEC Vancouver store climbing wall

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

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

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



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

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



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

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



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



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



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

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



MEC Vancouver murals by Jessa Gilbert

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

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



MEC Vancouver Relocation

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

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



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

Sneak peek of the new MEC Vancouver flagship store

Hiking has been a game changer in the way I live my life. Somehow, just putting one foot in front of another for hours has taught me so much: how to be present, how to think more clearly, how to connect deeper with the people around me. By making time to get on the trail, I’ve noticed exponential changes too, like sleeping better, feeling my body get stronger, and seeing anxiety and stress levels decrease.

I’m not the only one who feels this way. We reached out to people across the MEC family to see how hiking has helped them become the people they are today. Check out their stories and snapshots to see how time on the trail has helped them grow, learn and uncover things about themselves they wouldn’t have realized – and how it could change you, too.

## Kayla Kay


I recently moved to Invermere, BC, and my spark for hiking ignited when I arrived in this amazing Kootenay valley. I was a single mom on a mission to make friends and explore as much of the mountains as I could, so I started a local group called Women Who Wander.

Being on the trail and surrounded by nature was the cornerstone of my healing process from a very hard divorce and adapting to life as a single mom in a new town. Hiking is now a cherished hobby, a fierce passion and connected me to my recent career change with [The Lady Alliance](https://theladyalliance.com/). Last summer, I coordinated over 15 hikes and had about 100 people join forces with me on the trail.

Hiking makes me feel grounded, balanced and present. It’s my happy place.

*MEC is proud to work with The Lady Alliance as one of our [community partners](/en/explore/partnerships), and supports their camps, retreats and outdoor course programs. See Kayla’s adventures [@kootenay_kayla](https://www.instagram.com/kootenay_kayla/).*

## Jasmyn Ellis


Being active is my number one thing for mental health. I have ADHD, and finding ways to move has done wonders for me. When I’m in the city, I stay super active with spin classes, but there’s something different about getting out into nature on a hike. You hold onto that smell, how the air feels on your face, the windburn. You hear the crunch under your feet. It’s quiet and still and you can hear yourself breathe. I don’t think we hear ourselves breathe enough in a city – I’m guilty of this too.

I always try to do so much in my mind all the time. It’s easy to get trapped in the hustle and bustle, and being outside is a way I find some calm and silence.

Hiking makes me feel liberated, light, powerful.

## Magdalena Garcia


When I was a girl, I used to go with my grandfather to the mountains. He’d take just a loaf of bread and a tomato for the whole day. Those experiences were significant in my life – I’ve become someone who loves walking and exploring. To continue the tradition, I now go trekking or walking with my two sons. A hike you do in a few hours can be an experience that lasts for days, months or even years in yourself.

I’ve learned that if someone is sad, tense or anxious, walking on a trail is a kind of therapy that brings out the best in us. It’s also a nice way to visit new places. All that is why I decided I make trails a part of my life and part of my research.

Hiking makes me feel connected with myself.

*Magdalena is a participant of [Intercultural Outdoor Recreation](https://www.pleinairinterculturel.com/en/), one of MEC’s community partners. She studies the world of parks and trails with her research on conservation and visitor experiences.*

## Charlie Easton, MEC Ambassador


The best conversations I have with my wild three-year-old daughter are when she’s in the backpack and we’re exploring a trail in the middle of nowhere. Hiking makes me closer to the people I’m with by sharing an adventure, and having time for more meaningful conversations.

It also gets me closer to my subject matter in my paintings – if you paint from a photograph, you only get the visual aspect of a scene. If you hike to a location to paint, you have a complete picture of the sounds, the smells, the changeability, the quality of the light – and this undoubtedly makes the finished painting so much more authentic.

Hiking makes me feel more alive. My wife always says I’m like a Labrador puppy, bouncing from rock to rock, wagging my tail.

*See Charlie’s work [@charlieeaston](https://www.instagram.com/charlieeaston/)*

## Azzah Ahmad


Where do I even start? My journey into the outdoors started in my late thirties, and I can honestly say discovering the outdoors is when I truly discovered myself. It’s not about the highest peak or the hardest hike. It’s about being immersed in nature and seeing the value in the peacefulness of it all. Through hiking, you can learn to love your own strength and that you’ll persevere through anything.

Hiking makes me feel invigorated in the best way.

*See more of Azzah’s story in Facing Sunrise, and follow along [@lifeaziknowit_101](https://www.instagram.com/lifeaziknowit_101/)*



Facing Sunrise

Spending time in nature to slow down and disconnect has become a fundamental part of my life. I like being disconnected from my phone, screens, push notifications and just focus on the absolute basic needs of being a human: walking and eating. In the city, we can rush through our days with blinders on, not paying attention, lost in our own world. I feel cranky when I haven’t had some outdoor time, even if that just means a walk around my neighbourhood park in the city.

Nature has so many lessons to teach us. Each time I go for a hike, I’m reminded of how small I am compared to this earth.

Hiking makes me feel happier… in fact, it’s the thing that makes me feel happiest.

*Follow Taryn [@happiestoutdoors](https://www.instagram.com/happiestoutdoors/) for tips on hiking and Leave No Trace.*

## Declan White


One thing I’ve realized is that I have a stronger connection with the friends I go hiking with. It feels like we talk about things you don’t always talk about in the city, or you don’t think about because you’re in such a headspace thinking about other things. On a hike, you can just let go and open up more. Being able to spend a full day on the trail with someone strengthens our relationship – I get to know them deeper.

Hiking makes me feel adventurous. In the city, I’m more serious and focussed on getting things done – when I’m in nature, I’m more into cracking jokes and having a good time.

*Want to see what hiking can do for you? Check out our [day hiking guide to beginners](/en/explore/day-hiking-for-beginners), and learn how to get a jump start on the season with [Taryn’s tips for spring hiking](/en/article/hit-the-trails-early-with-these-spring-hiking-tips).*



## Related articles
- [How to choose hiking boots or shoes](/en/explore/how-to-choose-hiking-boots-or-shoes)
- [Why we hike](/en/article/why-we-hike)
- [How to choose and fit a backpack](/en/explore/choose-and-fit-a-backpack)



Stories about how time on the trail has helped people grow, learn and uncover things about themselves they wouldn’t have realized.

How hiking has changed my life

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.

MEC Blog