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Outdoor Tips, Tricks, Inspiration and Activities | MEC Blog

*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)



Magical midnight moments on an expedition, by MEC member Karen Lai.

Cultivating a sense of inclusion on the water | MEC Blog

Cultivating a sense of inclusion on the water

Last summer, on a beach in Sechelt Inlet, BC, a group of young women sat together in a circle and cried. They had been led there by a Defender of Culture from the Sechelt Nation, who told them how his ancestors had practiced a similar outpouring of emotion with the support of elders as a ritual of womanhood. He called it the “Crying Beach,” and over the next few nights, it became a place where the young leaders in Minerva BC’s Indigenous Roots program could share stories about their lives, hopes and dreams.

“These conversations can absolutely happen outside of an outdoor context,” explains Ashley Milbury, Youth Programs Coordinator at Minerva BC. “However, I am confident that they would not have been as deeply honest without the closeness that comes from overcoming challenges together in the wilderness. Connecting with the ocean, the forest and the beach offers valuable medicine to soothe these wounds once they’ve been opened.”

> “Connecting with the ocean, the forest and the beach offers valuable medicine to soothe these wounds once they’ve been opened.” – Ashley Milbury
>
Healing through a connection to the wilderness is at the core of the Indigenous Roots program, as it is for the Healing in Nature: Bereavement Network as well as Forest and the Femme – three incredible community programs that help participants develop strength, balance and resilience.

## Indigenous Roots


[Indigenous Roots](https://minervabc.ca/msyl/) is a year-long outdoor leadership program that gives Indigenous girls aged 13–19 the opportunity to create strong connections to themselves, other Indigenous girls and the natural world. The BC-based program includes day trips, leadership workshops and two longer trips that challenge participants and ask them to witness each other along the way.

Lisa Tallio, a former director with Minerva BC and a proud member of the Nuxalk and Heiltsuk First Nations, conceived of Indigenous Roots in 2017 when she saw a need for an in-depth, long-term commitment to Indigenous youth and their leadership. She connected with Jeff Willis of Fireside Adventures, and together they developed a program focused on leadership skills grounded in Indigenous culture and environmental principles. In the program’s inaugural year, 25 participants canoed and camped around Sechelt Inlet and circumnavigated Gambier Island.

“Many of the girls refer to Indigenous Roots as their family,” says Ashley. “This sense of community comes from their courage to share so much of themselves and to witness each other so powerfully. […] They have demonstrated tremendous vulnerability and willingness to learn throughout the program. Almost all participants have described feeling disconnected from their Indigenous culture.”



Ashley describes one participant who overcame a serious fear of water to flourish in the program. In her first outing, the group paddled the Tsleil-Waututh Nation’s large canoe down Indian Arm, and before long, she was kayaking, whitewater rafting, canoeing on a 21-day expedition, and even jumping into Howe Sound to swim to a nearby island.

“Indigenous Roots gave this young woman the opportunity to cultivate the bravery and resiliency that will serve her and her community her entire life,” says Ashley. “My hope is for every young Indigenous woman to know that she is valued and that her voice is important. We should all look forward to a future guided by their strong leadership and look for our part in supporting their voices.”

## Healing in Nature: Bereavement Network


Michael Modica and Paula Tablon founded the [Healing in Nature: Bereavement Network](http://www.bereavementnetwork.ca/) (HNBN for short) to provide a different avenue of grief support and change the conversation around death and dying for their generation.

“Personally speaking, we have been through various deaths together and the outdoors has helped ground us throughout our grief journeys,” explain Michael and Paula. Michael lost his father suddenly, and his grandfather and family dog within three months of one another. In between, Paula lost her grandparents. “Grief feels like ocean waves; it’s always moving – there are up and downs as there are good and bad days,” says Michael. Traditional bereavement support could not provide what they needed. “We know everyone grieves differently – for us, nature provided the support and healing we needed to be resilient.”

The graduates of MEC Outdoor Nation’s 2017 Think Outside Summit are recruiting young adults in the Greater Toronto Area who have faced significant loss for a 10-week pilot program focused on nature walks, mindfulness exercises and group activities.



In their own experience and from conversations with others, the HNBN duo have observed that being outside helps people get out of their heads, restores a sense of peace within, and helps people find themselves when they feel lost. “Being in nature connects us,” they explain. “When we go through grief, we tend to internalize, close ourselves off and stay indoors, but we want to be the safe space outside where bereaved individuals can go for support.”

## Forest and the Femme


As the founder of [Forest and the Femme](http://forestandthefemme.org/), Jaime Adams provides outdoor programming for highly marginalized women who face multiple barriers to accessing nature on their own. The program’s participants include trans, cis and gender-diverse women living with mental health and addictions, chronic physical health or mobility issues, trauma, cognitive disabilities, poverty, and who are involved in street-based survival sex work. “Indigenous women are prioritized because they should have unrestricted access to their land,” explains Jaime. Many of the participants have lived in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside community for years, often since they were teens. “Some have parents and even grandparents who live in similar circumstances in the community. This is the tragic legacy of colonialism and residential school trauma.”

Jaime came up with the idea to start the program in 2011 while working in a women’s transitional housing program in the Downtown Eastside. “I quickly discovered a huge gap in resources available to that vulnerable demographic and knew that I had to do something to support the wellness of those women,” she says.

Forest and the Femme creates a connection to nature for people who would otherwise have none. To keep things accessible, many outings are as simple as a picnic in a beautiful location, such as the bank of a North Shore creek or the shoreline of the Salish Sea. “So much physical and emotional healing and growth can occur in these places simply by being there,” Jaime explains. “We want them to create great memories, feel hopeful, have new stories to tell … recognize their own strength, and feel a part of something bigger than themselves.”



Jaime’s own experience with anxiety and the way being in the outdoors helped her overcome its terrifying hold on her life helps her connect with participants. “I have always found nature to be a healing place for me both in terms of finding resilience for trauma and anxiety and for finding my strength, building courage and changing my narrative around my sense of ability.” She sees similar transformations in the Forest and the Femme participants. “100% of the women surveyed each year reported that the outings helped them to socialize without drugs, to feel good about themselves and engage in more self-care.”

Instead of focusing on their limitations or circumstances, the women support one another, share stories, learn new skills and reconnect with their surroundings. “Nature gives anxiety a place to go and sadness a way out of the body,” says Jaime. “I know that being outdoors makes us strong and resilient, and I also know that those who have faced the most adversity should be able to access that healing.”

**We’re all connected**

Systemic injustice, [mental health](/en/article/why-being-active-outdoors-matters-more-than-ever) issues and personal circumstances make some of us more vulnerable to trauma, grief and loss. But whatever our story, nature therapies such as [*shinrin-yoku*](https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2017/06/forest-bathing/532068/) (the Japanese practice of forest bathing) and grounding/[earthing](https://earthingcanada.ca/what-is-earthing/) (the idea that direct contact with the earth’s electrical energy promotes physical wellbeing) can provide accessible outdoor self-care. As these practices and programs demonstrate, getting outside can help us recharge and begin to heal on a deeper level.

It starts with warm sun on your face, the sound of wind rushing through the trees, and the first jolt of cool lake water washing over your toes. And this connection to nature, and to one another, is becoming more and more important – for all of us.



### 

*MEC is proud to provide funding and gear donations to Minerva BC’s Indigenous Roots program, the Healing in Nature: Bereavement Network program, and the Forest and the Femme program.*



### Related articles:
- [Why being active outdoors matters more than ever](/en/article/why-being-active-outdoors-matters-more-than-ever)
- [Science says: getting kids outdoors is a game-changer](/en/article/science-says-getting-kids-outdoors-is-a-game-changer)
- [Why we go outdoors](/en/article/why-we-go-outdoors)



Where can you go to heal, grow, and build resilience and strength? These programs all agree: nature is the best destination.

The healing power of the outdoors | MEC Blog

The Healing Power of the Outdoors

Cumberland, BC, is a small town on Vancouver Island known as “the village in the forest,” and once you watch the story below, you’ll understand why.

It’s hard to know what happened first. Did the community come together and protect this forest? Or did the forest help create a community? How ever you look at it, it’s a wonderful story that hopefully inspires other small towns in Canada.



Community Contributions | MTB & Hiking Trails in Cumberland, BC

A big thank you to the village of Cumberland, the Cumberland Community Forest Society and United Riders of Cumberland for inviting us to explore their backyard, mountain bike trails and nature school, and for their extremely warm welcome.



#### Related Articles
- [Science says: getting kids outside is a game-changer](/en/article/science-says-getting-kids-outdoors-is-a-game-changer)
- [How to choose backpacks for kids](/en/explore/packs-for-kids)



Watch our video to see the story of how it all came together in Cumberland, BC.

How a forest can change a community | MEC Blog

How a forest can change a community

Looking for some running and fitness inspiration that comes with a side of outdoor awesomeness? These impressive trail runners bring a refreshingly fun and mellow mood to your Instagram game. Not only are they dedicated to training and crushing some monster goals in the process (see: 50-mile ultras), but their ability to just let go and get real make them easy favourites in our books.

### MEC Ambassador Nick Elson
**Follow**[@nicksethelson](https://www.instagram.com/nicksethelson/) **for:** mid-race photos from the Kneeknacker, Hardrock 100 and more, plus summit vistas and real-talk on getting through races, facing competition and the payoff of hard effort.



### Mark Sawh
**Follow**[@mark_sawh](https://www.instagram.com/mark_sawh/)** for:** lighthearted captions, awesome park pictures with friends and his adorable sidekick Blaze, plus heartwarming outdoor moments that definitely meet #relationshipgoals criteria.



Media Not Found

### Hilary Matheson
**Follow**[@thehilaryann](https://www.instagram.com/thehilaryann/?hl=en) **for:** seemingly endless energy and gratitude, a solid dose of fun (including Winnie the Pooh quotes), a hit of wanderlust and natural authenticity.



### Adam Gilbert
**Follow**[@adameloso](https://www.instagram.com/adameloso/) **for:** goofball mentality, gorgeous photography of picturesque landscapes, and good buddy hangs (an inadvertent reminder to get outside with your friends more).



### Kimberley Teshima Newberry
**Follow**[@kimberleydt](https://www.instagram.com/kimberleydt/) **for:**beautiful trail photos of the Pacific Northwest, cute cameos from her pup Asparagus (aka Gus), fun training shots and adventures with run buddy and husband [@ethannewberry](https://www.instagram.com/ethannewberry/).



### Kilian Jornet
**Follow**[@kilianjornet](https://www.instagram.com/kilianjornet/?hl=en) **for:** an athlete’s perspective, including training tips, technique talk, and cross-training adventures, plus down-right magical landscapes and first looks at Salomon gear.



### Mira Rai
**Follow**[@mira.rai](https://www.instagram.com/mira.rai/?hl=en) **for:**run training and races all over the world, incredible views of the Himalayas, and an insider look at Nepalese culture and the close-knit Nepal trail running community.



### Hailey Van Dyk
**Follow** [@haileyvandyk](https://www.instagram.com/haileyvandyk/?hl=en)** for:** bottomless enthusiasm and playfulness, inspiring reflections and encouragement, updates from [Run Like A Girl](https://www.instagram.com/runlikeagirl_ca/), rad mountain scenery, and cameos from her Ecuadorian rescue pup Cotopaxi.



### Gary Robbins
**Follow**[@garyrobbins](https://www.instagram.com/garyrobbins/) **for:** race information, reveals and updates, cameos from the trail running community at large, stats, sponsorships, endorsements and general die-hard running.



### Shannon Penway
**Follow**[@runshannyrun](https://www.instagram.com/runshannyrun/) **for:**fun displays of patriotism via her spot on the national mountain running team, fun shots of her pup [Cash](https://www.instagram.com/cashmoneyvizsla/), cameos from her [run buddy](https://www.instagram.com/coupleofrunners/) and beautiful mountain vistas.



### Lucy Bartholomew
**Follow**[@lucy_bartholomew](https://www.instagram.com/lucy_bartholomew/?hl=en) **for:** a regular dose of positivity and gratitude, foodie comradery, regular pre- during and post-race updates, and run-happy reminders to be yourself.



## Round out your feed by following
### Parks Canada
**Follow**[@parks.canada](https://www.instagram.com/parks.canada/) **for:**dreamy trail pictures from all over the country. See them in person by picking up a [Discovery Pass](/en/brand/parks-canada/products/camping-and-hiking/navigation-maps-and-guidebooks/passes-and-tickets/c/1750).



### Dirtbag Runners
**Follow**[@dirtbagrunners](https://www.instagram.com/dirtbagrunners/) **for:** fun, dirt, travel and community.



### MEC Ambassador Jim Willett
**Follow**[@optimismninja](https://www.instagram.com/optimismninja/) **for:** inspiring ultramarathon shots and run adventures on road and trail, plus the odd [@MEC](https://www.instagram.com/mec/) giveaway.



### Laney Fung
**Follow**[@laneyfung](https://www.instagram.com/laneyfung/) **for:**fun captions, cameos by her dog Sadie and updates on BC races (we hear she looks after communications for [@coastmtntrail](https://www.instagram.com/coastmtntrail/), [@squamish50](https://www.instagram.com/squamish50/) and [@diezvista](https://www.instagram.com/diezvista/) races).



## Related articles
- [Your guide to trail running](/en/explore/your-guide-to-trail-running)
- [How to choose trail running shoes](/en/explore/choose-your-trail-runners)
- [Tips for your first trail race](/en/explore/tips-for-your-first-trail-running-race)



You’ll stay motivated and trail-hungry when you follow these inspiring and dedicated trail runners hitting urban trails and mountain ultras.

10+ inspirational trail runners to follow | MEC Blog

10+ inspirational trail runners to follow

Ever wanted to go on an expedition? To climb a far-off peak, paddle an unexplored river or bike across a country?

Canadians have been pushing their boundaries in the outdoors for more than two decades with help from MEC Expedition Support. Whether you’ve got a bucket list of trips you’d like to take, or you’re just beginning to explore the possibilities, you could plan the trip of your dreams. To help you get started, we asked eight seasoned explorers to share their best expedition planning tips and tricks.



### How did you first learn about expeditions?
**Frank Wolf, a filmmaker, writer and adventurer who **[**rowed the Northwest Passage**](https://vimeo.com/ondemand/thehandoffranklin2/205031104)** with three teammates:** I was always aware of people doing long, challenging journeys for discovery and exploration. Though most of the world’s population has settled into communities, there’s still a nomadic part in all of us that expeditions satisfy.

**Taylor Maavara, a Canadian post-doctoral fellow at Berkeley National Lab in California, whose last two expeditions have been in the Indian Himalayas:** I grew up camping on weekends with my dad, so it was a natural progression to get into longer trips.

​**Travis Foster, a footloose and fancy-free climber based in his van parked outside the climbing gym in Cranbrook, BC:** Chris Bonington novels! In an time where sponsorship was almost unheard of, climbers had to write about their expeditions to use the proceeds from those books to fund their next trip.



### How do you define an “expedition”? How is it different from any other type of travel?
**Martina Halik, an avalanche technician and professional photographer based in Fernie, BC, who completed a **[**5-month ski traverse of BC’s Coast Mountains**](/en/article/i-did-a-5-month-ski-traverse-with-my-mum)** with her mom:** An expedition is something you decide on, and it changes from person to person. When I planned to travel along the Coast Mountain range, I didn’t even think of it as an expedition, it was more of a journey or a series of traverses.

**Frank:** For me, an expedition is a unique, challenging journey through a remote wilderness area where you are completely self-sufficient. You have a beginning and an end, but everything in between is unknown to you. The adventure lies in working your way though this unknown environment, dealing with the daily challenge of moving through obstacles and landscapes as they unfold before you.



### What was your first expedition?
**Taylor:** I went to Pemberton, BC, on an [Outward Bound Canada](http://www.outwardbound.ca/) course as a teenager. We did 11 summits on that trip.

**[Reuben Krabbe](/en/explore/mec-ambassadors), a professional adventure photographer, skier, mountain biker and MEC Ambassador based in Squamish, BC:** When I was 23 I did a winter camping trip in the Yukon’s Tombstone Mountains, and when I was 25 I went to [Svalbard, Norway](/en/article/the-photo-of-a-lifetime-capturing-a-skier-in-a-solar-eclipse), in the Arctic. Both trips were centered around skiing and trying to create beautiful pictures along the way.

**Ben Haggar, a freelance photographer and writer from Squamish, BC, who has tackled expeditions in 50+ countries on all 7 continents:** My first actual expedition was in 2007 when my friend Micha Forestall and I traversed the Valhalla Range in central British Columbia in summer. I was 25 at the time and climbing a lot, but the scale of this trip really surprised us.

**Frank:** Back in 1995 when I was 24 years old, my canoeing partner and I became the first people to paddle across Canada in a single season. The 171-day, 8000 km journey from Saint John, NB, to Vancouver, BC, got me hooked on doing expeditions and I haven’t stopped since.



### How do you come up with an idea for an expedition?
**Reuben:** Hunt for that thing or place that’s too cool, too beautiful, and then go chase it. That will put you in the head space where the rest begins to evolve naturally.

**Martina:** My trip was inspired by an article I read in *[Coast Mountain Culture](http://mountainculturegroup.com/)* magazine. I was becoming ski guide and I wanted to get a few more trips under my belt.

**Frank:** I generally look for blank spaces on the map and then figure out a way to travel through them self-propelled.

**Ben:** Find a sport and an area you’re passionate about, then think up something that seems to be just beyond the realm of what you think is doable.

> “I generally look for blank spaces on the map and then figure out a way to travel through them self-propelled.” – Frank Wolf
>


### How do you motivate yourself to take on these challenges?
**[Bruce Kirkby](/en/ambassadors/bruce-kirkby), an MEC ambassador who has travelled to 80 countries and amassed more than 2000 expedition days, including lengthy wilderness journeys with his young family:** That’s like asking if I need motivation to breathe. Finding time is generally the bigger challenge in today’s busy world, but that just comes down to prioritization. What are you gonna remember later, crossing the Patagonia ice cap or having a clean bathroom?

**Martina:** It’s about taking hold of your excitement and not letting fear and negative self-talk get in the way.

> “What are you gonna remember later, crossing the Patagonia ice cap or having a clean bathroom?” – Bruce Kirkby
>


### What’s the most disastrous or funny mistake you’ve made on an expedition?
**Ben:** I’m a huge fan of exotic street food and have a pretty solid stomach. But when street food experiences go bad, they can sideline you for days. I have a despairingly large number of “pooping my pants” stories. *[Editor’s note: Pack spare underwear.]*

**Frank:** We were washed down the Babine River Canyon in a spring flood, lost all our gear and almost drowned. That was a long, long time ago, and it taught me to respect and learn deeply about the power of nature.



### How do you manage stress while on a big trip?
**Reuben:** I wish someone had asked me this before these trips, because I honestly didn’t manage stress well. I also had a weird hero complex where I thought stress was something that affected weak-willed people, but it’s obviously something that affects everyone to varying degrees.

Try to get good at recognizing stress. It’s somewhat sneaky, and you’ll find yourself stressed out trying to think and make decisions. If you can recognize it, you can manage it better.



### What qualities do you look for in an expedition partner?
**Martina:** It’s important to travel with someone who won’t take things personally. When I was in a bad mood or snappy, my mum knew I was just tired and it didn’t have anything to do with her.

**Reuben:** Stable, not conflict averse, speaks their mind, and can manage emotional situations clearly. I also look for people who are crafty with their hands and keep their gear working well, so we don’t have individual problems that become group problems.

**Travis:** They have to be down for bumpin’ heaps of tunes while big wallin’.

**Ben:** I look for people with similar goals, ambitions, ethics and risk tolerance. It’s good to be on the same page with these major things, but having different personalities in a group is a good thing.

Understanding the expectations you have for other team members and what they have in mind for you is a key element. It’s better to have uncomfortable conversations and get everyone on the same page than it is for ill feelings to fester and strain meaningful relationships. The most difficult aspect of my solo Greenland expedition was the loneliness and not having a partner to help me through the darker times of food deprivation and physical and mental exhaustion.



### Where did you learn how to plan an expedition?
**Reuben:** Mentorship is the biggest thing. I didn’t have a formal mentor, but friends had much more developed skill sets in the areas I wanted to learn more about. For example, my friend [Tobin Seagel](https://www.instagram.com/tobinseagel/) took time to relay knowledge to me as we went on a trip.

**Taylor:** When I was 12, my dad and I attended an MEC clinic on how to plan a canoe trip. After high school, I took a [NOLS course](https://www.nols.edu) to learn about leadership in the backcountry.

**Ben:** If you’re completely new to expedition planning and aren’t sure where to start, Alistair Humphreys has a great book titled *Grand Adventures*, which is kind of a “how to” guide.



### What tools do you use for expedition planning?
**Frank:** I use Google Maps to do the initial planning, then fine-tune it with topographical maps, which are available for free online.

**Ben:** I made a basic spreadsheet detailing all the projected costs and details, everything from the cost of a taxi to the airport in Nuuk [Greenland] to the maximum and minimum number of kilometres of unknown terrain I’ll be able to cover each day.

**Bruce:** Maps, Google, books, often Lonely Planet for general background. If a region isn’t mentioned in Lonely Planet, then I know it’s worth researching more.

**Taylor:** I spend hours on [NASA satellite photos](https://worldview.earthdata.nasa.gov/) and on [Google Earth](https://www.google.com/earth/). There’s a [historical feature](https://support.google.com/earth/answer/148094?hl=en) so you can go back in time and see how glaciers have changed; we use it to tentatively plan our routes.



### How do you handle meal planning for this kind of trip?
**Drew** **Leiterman, a journeyman carpenter with a strong passion for photography who lives, works and climbs in BC’s Kootenays:** We did a lot of calorie counting while trying to get the least weight to most calories.

**Taylor:** Some people say you should make all your own meals, but at high altitude I don’t have any ego about it. My favourite dehydrated meals are [mac and cheese](/en/product/6014-607/forever-young-mac%26-cheese?colour=NO_COLOUR) or [pad Thai](/en/product/5053-600/vegetable-and-peanut-pad-thai?colour=NO_COLOUR).

**Frank:** I keep it light and simple. I usually have oatmeal for breakfast, PB and honey on tortillas for lunch, a freeze-dried meal for dinner, and energy bars, pepperoni sticks and GORP for snacks.



### What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone planning their first expedition?
**Taylor:** Start small, figure out things like how heavy a pack you can carry and how much food you need to eat, and eventually you’ll gain confidence. It helps to go with someone who knows what they’re doing, so consider taking a course or lesson.

**Reuben:** It’s important to have both a good plan, and the ability to change and modify that plan as the trip evolves. You need to have contingency plans for injuries, weather and equipment failures.

**Frank:** Don’t let the distance or time overwhelm you. Take the expedition one day at a time.

> “It’s important to have both a good plan, and the ability to change and modify that plan as the trip evolves.” – Reuben Krabbe
>


### What tips do you have for sourcing funding or sponsorship?
**Taylor:** The [MEC Expedition Support](/en/explore/outdoor-impact) program has helped me go on two expeditions.

**Frank:** You need to have something to offer. It’s not enough to just go on a cool trip – you need to give back to your sponsors through social media, published articles, published images, gear reviews, film and speaking engagements.

**Reuben:** You can really ask anyone for funding; the difficult part is finding a good contact and figuring out how to be valuable. Remember that most sponsors and grant funders are thinking about what value you/your trip offers to the company, not simply how cool or difficult it might be.



### How do you plan epic expeditions when you have school-aged kids?
**Martina:** One of the easiest things you can do with small children is go on canoe trips (mellow ones, not whitewater).

**Bruce:** Pack three sets of clothing, along with a favorite stuffy, blanket or water bottle… anything that will remind your children of home, even on the other side of the world. Work in downtime every day. Kids need big chunks of time to explore beaches, play with pine needles and watch ants crawling across blades of grass.

Let the kids know your plans for the next day, and even give them some options. Having them responsible for the itinerary can drastically reduce whining. And an [activity tracker](/en/products/run-and-fitness/training-electronics/watches/fitness-and-activity-trackers/c/1110) with a step counter, is a great way to encourage walking.

> “Work in downtime every day. Kids need big chunks of time to explore beaches, play with pine needles and watch ants crawling across blades of grass.” – Bruce Kirkby
>


### What are your must-have pieces of gear?
**Taylor:** My whole sleeping situation needs to be dialed. I bring an [extra-warm sleeping bag](/en/product/5058-223/centaurus--18c-sleeping-bag?colour=Deep+Navy), and a Therm-a-Rest NeoAir sleeping pad that packs down really small.

**Drew:** My gear must-haves are rock shoes, a harness and rope.

**Reuben:** The DeLorme InReach is a great 2-way satellite communication device that lets you download weather and text for emergencies, or if you’re lonely. I used to have a simple satellite beacon and accidentally almost called in the Navy once, so I’d recommend 2-way communications. Also, a good tool kit. Your preparation is only as good as the stuff you can fix.

**Frank:** Pretty much any journey involves my [MSR Whisperlite International stove](/en/product/5026-912/WhisperLite-International-Stove), a Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xtherm sleeping pad and my [Garmin GPS](/en/products/watersports/marine-navigation/handheld-gps/c/1249?filters%5Bbrand%5D%5B0%5D=garmin).

​**Travis:** The Patagonia Houdini windbreaker, Bluetooth wall speakers and a heap of [Ritter Sport bars](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/kitchen-and-hydration/food-and-drink/snacks-and-energy-bars/chocolate-bars/c/1669?filters%5Bbrand%5D%5B0%5D=ritter%20sport) and [hot chocolate](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/kitchen-and-hydration/food-and-drink/drinks/coffee-and-hot-chocolate/c/1581).



Thanks to Martina, Travis, Taylor, Drew, Reuben, Bruce, Ben and Frank for sharing their advice! If you’re feeling fired up and ready to tackle your own epic trip, check out [MEC Expedition Support](/en/explore/outdoor-impact).

*Top photo by Bruce Kirkby.*



## Related articles
- [Why we go outdoors](/en/article/why-we-go-outdoors)
- [How to choose and fit a backpack](/en/explore/choose-and-fit-a-backpack)
- [7 ways to hike and camp responsibly](/en/article/7-ways-to-camp-and-hike-responsibly)



Want to go on a seriously epic adventure? We asked eight intrepid explorers to share their best expedition planning tips.

How to plan an expedition | MEC Blog

How to plan an expedition

*We love that you love getting outside. That’s why we’re profiling inspiring members across Canada who connect with their communities through active outdoor lifestyles.*

Member: Brett Sandra Trainor
Member since: 2010
Activities: backcountry skiing, mountain biking, surfing and camping

**Tell us about yourself. How do you like to get outside?**

I was born and raised in the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island. I grew up cross-country ski racing and camping across BC. My professional background is in community development and fundraising. I’m currently pursuing an MBA at Simon Fraser University, with the end goal of using business acumen to help BC organizations succeed.

**How did you come up with Mountain Mentors?**

I have always found myself inspired by creative problem solvers, especially in fundraising and international development. Changing my internal dialogue from “I wish I could do something like that” to “what’s stopping me?” was the impetus for launching [Mountain Mentors](http://www.mountainmentors.org/) in 2016. My co-founder Thea Zerbe and I noticed a gap in outdoor programming for women and decided to do something actionable about it. What was originally a small, private Facebook group is now a strong community of outdoorswomen.



**Tell us about the program. What makes it great?**

Mountain Mentors facilitates all-female alpine mentorship relationships for women in Vancouver and the Sea to Sky corridor. We see mentorship as a tool to grow the community of female outdoor leaders in backcountry skiing, climbing and mountain biking. We believe that you need to “see it to be it” – a mentor is a blueprint of possibility for what you can become – otherwise it can be difficult to imagine yourself reaching the heights you aspire to. Mentors are an invaluable resource for women with big dreams to boldly progress towards their goals in the mountains and in other aspects of their lives.

**Who signs up for the mentorship program? What are they like?**

We have a diverse cohort, including ski bums, working professionals, mothers and industry guides. We’ve had veteran ski patrollers, ACMG guides, PhD students, lawyers, teachers and young university graduates move through the program. There are no key characteristics necessary to be an effective mentor or mentee (beyond having AST1 training and the necessary safety gear). Successful mentorship relationships stem from shared goals and expectations, a commitment to learn and grow, and the willingness to invest time in the relationship.



**Have you ever had a mentee go on to become a mentor?**

Heck yeah! Oftentimes, a participant may be looking for growth and support in one sport, but be skilled in another. This has led to a sort of “co-mentorship,” where a ski mentor may become a mountain bike mentee the following season. It’s pretty rad. Watching the progression of our mentees is one of the most inspiring parts of our program; we’ve seen women cut their Strava times in half, climb grades they had previously feared and empower themselves to make safer decisions in avalanche terrain. We’re honoured to do our part in growing the female outdoor community.

**Talk to us about being a woman in the outdoors.**

I see a whole bunch of outdoor enthusiasts who participate in sport for the same reason, regardless of gender – there’s simply nothing like the feeling of being outdoors. Of course, there are characteristics associated with gender when operating in the backcountry; women are often incredibly skilled communicators and team players, employ a huge amount of compassion and are empowered by opportunities to socialize and connect with other likeminded individuals. I see a generation of women embracing a new definition of femininity and finding strength in their unique talents. I love watching a group diplomatically make decisions while moving through avalanche terrain, as our unique skills become assets in risky situations where safety is paramount.

**How do you see the outdoor community?**

We’re lucky to be part of such an open-minded and welcoming community and have been blown away by the positive support we’ve received, especially from our male friends and allies in the outdoor industry. We are encouraged when men ask us how they can get involved and support our programs – the desire for mentorship and growth exists in all demographics. Chilko Basecamps is a guiding organization run by our friend Sam that has given us expedition tents for winter SkillShare sessions. Our male friends have featured us in media like *Mountain Life* and *Doglotion* and photographed our experiences free of charge. It’s clear we aren’t the only ones passionate about making outdoor spaces more inclusive.



**What is your vision for the future of Mountain Mentors?**

When we launched, our goal was to create 10 mentorship pairs. We ended up receiving nearly 200 applications. Fast forward a year and a half and my vision for the program’s future has changed immensely. I now hope that we can structure the funding of our program in a sustainable way, so that we can compensate volunteers for their countless hours as well as add value for participants. I also hope to onboard a larger Board of Directors to help us grow strategically and focus on diversifying our program offerings.

**What are your go-to trails, slopes or routes?**

I love mountain biking on my home trails in Cumberland, BC, as well as “Fat Tug” in Pemberton. As for ski touring, there’s nothing like Blackcomb backcountry. I’m also in awe of the groomed Nordic skiing trail network in Norway.

**Tell us about your perfect day outside.**

One spent with people I care about and trust, winter camping, drinking hot coffee and skiing some deep powder in copious amounts.

**What are your favourite MEC products?**

My [MEC hut booties](/en/product/5055-859/hut-booties)! Perfect for prancing around on a soaking wet floor, running outside for midnight bathroom breaks and wearing into my sleeping bag on especially cold nights.

**What is your hope for the future of the outdoor community?**

That no one will feel like the outdoors aren’t for them.

**Who do you follow or look up to?**

Programs like *[Fast and Female](https://www.fastandfemale.com/)*, *[Ride Like A Girl](http://www.ridelikeagirl.ca/)* and *[Girls Do Ski](https://www.girlsdoski.com/)* are all making a difference to inspire women to dream big and pursue their athletic dreams. I’m especially inspired by one of our mentors, Cathy Jewett, who has been a ski patroller with Whistler Blackcomb for over 30 years and really paved the way for women and mothers in the outdoor industry. She gives back to her community as a volunteer in countless capacities, including offering ski mentorship in our program, and her hard work and determination inspire me every day to keep carving out a space for women in the outdoors.



### 

*MEC is proud to support Brett and Thea’s mentorship efforts through the [Community Contributions program](/en/explore/outdoor-impact) via a grant to [Mountain Mentors](http://www.mountainmentors.org/#about-1).*



*Ready to head out with Mountain Mentors? Get started by taking your AST1 certification (required for the program), and learn about the [avalanche safety gear and training](/en/explore/avalanche-safety-gear-and-training) you’ll need for the backcountry.*



**Related articles**

- [MEC member spotlight: Melody Markle](/en/article/mec-member-spotlight-melody-markle)
- [5 ways to get funded by MEC](/en/explore/outdoor-impact)
- [My first time backcountry skiing](/en/article/my-first-time-backcountry-skiing)



Meet MEC member Brett Trainor, co-founder of Mountain Mentors, a BC-based mentorship program dedicated to helping women achieve their outdoor goals.

MEC member spotlight: Mountain Mentors’ Brett Trainor | MEC Blog

MEC member spotlight: Mountain Mentors’ Brett Trainor

*Helping people get active outdoors is what we’re all about. But living in a major city without access to a vehicle can make it challenging to get into wild spaces. So when we hear about projects that break down these barriers, like Ottawa’s [Sir John A. MacDonald Winter Trail](http://www.wintertrail.ca/) (SJAM), we’re all ears. Dave Adams championed and developed the trail, and continues to manage and maintain it. He shares an inside look at what it means to create a new public-transit-accessible winter recreation area in our nation’s capital.*

**How do you like to spend time outdoors?**

I like it to be easy to get outside. I don’t want it to be a big production or require a lot of planning or a long commute. And that’s why the SJAM Winter Trail is so great: it’s right next to a huge population base in Ottawa and it’s accessible by public transit.

**What activities can you do on the trail?**

The SJAM Winter Trail is an urban-based recreational winter pathway open to human-powered modes of transportation. We groom it for cross-country skis, snowshoes, fat bikes and pedestrians.



**The trail opened in winter 2016 as a test. Will it be open every winter?**

The 2016 Proof-of-Concept was a very successful test. I borrowed grooming equipment from my local ski club, brought it to town and prepared a trail along the Ottawa River on National Capital Commission park land. Something like this had never been done before, and the news spread like wildfire. People dropped what they were doing and rushed out to start skiing.

At that point, we knew there was no turning back and we’ve been going steady ever since. And, yes, the plan is to bring it back year after year. Introducing the SJAM Winter Trail has turned this area into a four-season recreational facility.

**What’s the most surprising or challenging thing about grooming a trail like the SJAM?**

Let’s start with “surprising.” I’ve been blown away by the degree of civility I’ve observed out on the trail. I’ve seen skiers, walkers, fat bikers and snowshoers happily sharing the path in harmony.

Raising the money to fund the trail was by far the biggest hurdle, but I expected that. Dealing with climate change has been the next challenge. Wildly fluctuating temperatures and inconsistent snow conditions make it extremely difficult to keep the SJAM Winter Trail in good and usable condition all winter long.



**How is the Dovercourt Recreation Centre involved in the trail?**

Dovercourt is critical to the success of the SJAM Winter Trail, from purchasing equipment and acquiring insurance to issuing charitable tax receipts.

In addition, as a well-known entity in Ottawa, Dovercourt gives the project credibility. Having Dovercourt and its board of directors standing behind me helps open doors. Without Dovercourt, the SJAM Winter Trail would only be an idea.

**Is there a lot of volunteer involvement in maintaining the trail?**

By nature, the SJAM Winter Trail is volunteer-run. We simply don’t have the money to pay people. Accountants, graphics artists, mechanics, social media and web specialists, lobbyists, editors, management consultants and groomers have all helped make this project possible.

**What inspires you to do this work?**

The personal stories from people who use the SJAM Winter Trail. People recovering from serious injuries have told me they use the trail to help themselves heal. Stay-at-home parents have said they’ve felt cornered because they don’t have the money or time to travel long distances to go skiing. I often hear people saying “I hadn’t picked up cross-country skis in 40 years, and then I discovered the SJAM Winter Trail. You have changed my life.”

On more than one occasion, a trail user has made me cry. I’m touched, and I draw my inspiration from these stories.



**Can you share a story from the trail?**

One day, while working out on the trail, I was approached by a woman with tears streaming down her face. She was a stranger, but to my surprise, she gave me a big hug. After regaining her composure, she explained that she had been seriously injured and lost her driver’s license after an accident, which radically changed her living circumstances. She felt confined to her home and mourned the loss of the lifestyle she was accustomed to. While she knew activity would help her recover from her injury, it was winter, and she had no idea where to go. With no solution in sight, she became depressed. And then she discovered the SJAM Winter Trail, only a few minutes’ walk from her apartment. She looked me in the eye and said that the trail had saved her life.

I never would have imagined that a recreational winter pathway could be so fundamental to people’s physical and mental health and well-being.



**When did you become an MEC member?**

I remember becoming a member of MEC when you first came out with that simple, well-built Cordura backpack. It was one of your signature products back when you were just two stores in Vancouver and Toronto. Yes, I’m dating myself.

**How cold does it get? How do you stay warm while you’re outside all day?**

Working in extremely cold conditions is part of the job. While grooming, -35°C with windchill in the dark is not uncommon. And I am perfectly comfortable and at ease in these conditions.

My plastic climbing boots, [down](/en/products/clothing/jackets/down-jackets/c/1022), [neck gaiter](/en/products/clothing/clothing-accessories/neck-gaiters-and-scarves/c/1001?f=CFfabricContent%3AMerino+wool%3ACFfabricContent%3ASynthetic%3ACFfabricContent%3AWool) and multiple layers are critical. [Merino wool](/en/products/clothing/c/981?f=CFfabricContent%3AMerino+wool) is excellent for wicking moisture, and cotton should be left at home for when you get back into a controlled environment.

**Do you have any tips for people who are new to outdoor winter activities?**

Keep an eye on garage sales and swap meets for secondhand skis or snowshoes, borrow gear from a friend, or rent equipment for your first time. Once you’re hooked, you can buy your own.

Since the SJAM Winter Trail is free to use and accessible via public transit, trying a new winter sport doesn’t take a lot of money or commitment.



### 

*MEC is proud to have provided $20,000 to support the grooming of the SJAM Winter Trail and to help Dave and his crew make this recreation area accessible year-round.*



*Photos courtesy of Dave Adams.*

### related articles
- [How to start snowshoeing](/en/explore/how-to-start-snowshoeing)
- [For the love of winter: teaching adaptive skiing](/en/article/for-the-love-of-winter-teaching-adaptive-skiing)
- [5 ways to get funded by MEC](/en/explore/outdoor-impact)



This snowshoe and cross-country ski trail is right in Ottawa. Even better: you can get to it on public transit.

The SJAM Winter Trail: Ottawa’s winter wonderland | MEC Blog

The SJAM Winter Trail: Ottawa’s winter wonderland

Setting goals for the new year?

If you’re looking for inspiration, you’re in the right place. From ski-traversing an entire mountain range to trying backpacking for the first time, MEC members embarked on some incredible adventures this year. Check out the goals they achieved with support from our expedition grants – and then get busy planning your own epic 2018 adventure.

## Team up to tackle an ambitious objective
“We created this traverse in the hopes of experiencing something so immense, so incredible, so epic that it would change our lives forever.” And epic it was.

The dynamic mother-daughter duo of Tania and Martina Halik successfully [ski-traversed the entire BC Coast Mountain range](/en/article/i-did-a-5-month-ski-traverse-with-my-mum) from Squamish to Skagway. Along the way, they faced whiteouts, frigid river crossings and “unrelenting, soul-crushing, gear-snapping cold” – and enjoyed some lighter moments.



## Set a record
Want to see your name in the record books? 2017 saw several members achieve this goal.

Fifteen-year-old [Naomi Prohaska](/en/article/record-setting-climb-naomi-prohaskas-mount-logan-summit) became the youngest person to summit Canada’s tallest mountain, the Yukon’s Mount Logan. At age 26, Liz Rose became the youngest Canadian to climb the Seven Summits.



## Chart new territory
As part of Expedition Ikivuq, a team of six paddlers explored northern Quebec’s Lestage River, which runs through Arctic tundra that has never been mapped or documented. Along the way, they endured harsh weather and gruelling portages, and were awed by the incredible landscapes and massive herds of caribou they encountered.



## Find new trails
When the local terrain got old, this group of mountain bikers set off for some new lines to ride… in [northern India](/en/article/mountain-biking-in-northern-india)! From trails in the Himalayas to living root bridges in the remote northeastern corner of the country, they laid fresh tread in areas that had never previously been ridden.



## Be the first to do something
Steve Tersmette and Shawn Emmett were the first people to traverse the Purcell Mountains entirely on foot. During their 24-day journey, they travelled 271km and lost/gained just over 21,000 vertical metres.



## Try something new
Be prepared, but don’t be scared. Leaving your comfort zone can be a life-changing experience – just ask first-time hiker and camper [Bruce Persaud](/en/article/surviving-the-fundy-footpath), who tackled New Brunswick’s rugged Fundy Footpath. Start with episode 1 of his 6-part journey below – these videos are a fun must-watch before you head out on a challenging hike:



Episode 1: Is He Ready? (CENSORED)

## What’s next?
In 2018, MEC is supporting more expeditions, both close to home and around the world. From big-wall climbs in Powell River, BC, and free ascents of Patagonia peaks, to epic canoe trips from Florida to Seattle, members and grantees are bringing the stoke and ticking off some major goals. Follow @MEC on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/mec/?hl=en) and [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/mec/) to see updates from their trips.

Where will 2018 take you?

*MEC is proud to support these explorers and more through [expedition support grants](/en/explore/outdoor-impact). Check them out as you plan for your own 2018 adventures.*

*Top photo: Tania and Martina Halik*



Get stoked for your own adventures by checking out the epic trips MEC members took this year, supported by expedition grants.

MEC Blog