Travel and places

Stories

Skills and tips

Gear

Community news

Activities

Outdoor Tips, Tricks, Inspiration and Activities | MEC Blog

*Whether you like to pull on plastic or daydream about dry rock, part of what makes bouldering rad is the minimal gear requirements. We checked with Alannah Yip [(bio here)](https://olympic.ca/team-canada/alannah-yip/), Canadian Climbing Team member and MEC Ambassador, for her favourite gear picks for the gym or the crag:*

## Scarpa Crux Approach Shoes


These [Scarpa Crux approach shoes](/en/product/5057-422/Crux-Approach-Shoes) are comfy and have Vibram rubber on the sole. That means you never have to worry about slipping when you’re scrambling up/over/around/below rocks searching for that climb the guidebook *definitely* said was around here somewhere…

*(Looking for the men’s version? The *[*men’s Scarpa Crux Shoes*](/en/product/5057-420/Crux-Approach-Shoes)* exist too.)*

## Scarpa Instinct VSR Rock Shoes


I like climbing outside in the [Scarpa Instinct](/en/product/5031-386/instinct-vs-rock-shoes) because of the stiffness and their amazing heel and toe hooking abilities. And when in Squamish, this is of great importance.

## Sumi Boar’s Hair Brush


If you want a *serious* brush, the Sumi Boar’s Hair Brush is the best one out there. With one thick end and one thinner, angled end, you can reach every nook, cranny and nubbin on those crux holds on your proj.

## Flashed Tool Bag Chalk Bucket


A [simple bouldering bag](/en/products/climbing/bouldering/chalk-and-chalk-bags/chalk-bags/c/955) that holds an entire 312g bag of Flashed chalk, plus a few brushes. What more do you need?



In my opinion, this is the best chalk on the market. It has no additives and won’t break the bank.

## Flashed Podium Chalk


This is my [favourite liquid chalk](/en/product/5059-719/Podium-Chalk) ever because it stays on and dries out my sweaty fingers for the longest period of time, hands down.

## Flashed Drifter Pad


I love the [Flashed Drifter Pad](/en/product/6005-092/drifter-pad---plain) because it’s small, light and easy to pack up when you’re moving between boulders, yet still heavy duty enough to keep you safe on your project.

## Picky Bars Smooth Caffeinator Energy Bar


I’m a terror when I’m hangry so I always bring snacks out climbing. The [Naak Caramel Macchiato Caffeine Energy Bar](/en/product/6023-234/caramel-macchiato-caffeine-energy-bar?colour=NO_COLOUR) is one of my favourite energy bars ever because it’s delicious (coffee, chocolate, hazelnuts!) and doesn’t weigh you down like other popular energy bars. It also has a stellar ingredient list so you feel good about what you’re eating.



Sometimes I struggle to stay warm when I’m out bouldering because of the long breaks between attempts. A packable warm jacket is easy to throw on over top of my climbing top and keeps me nice and toasty – I love the new [Uplink Hoodie](/en/product/6018-086/uplink-hooded-jacket), it’s warm, light and packable.

## Nalgene Wide-Mouth Water Bottle


I don’t know about you, but I climb better when I’m hydrated properly. This [Nalgene water bottle](/en/product/6020-229/nalgene-sustain-wide-mouth-water-bottle-1l) holds 1L of liquid and is the perfect size for a day outside.



## Related articles
- [15 things I wish I knew before I started climbing](/en/article/15-things-i-wish-i-knew-before-i-started-climbing)
- [How to choose climbing shoes](/en/explore/choose-your-climbing-shoes)
- [The gear I love: one pro climber’s summer essentials](/en)



You don’t need much gear, but you do need a few basics (so choose wisely). Alannah Yip shares her favourites for the gym and the crag.

Gear I love: a Canadian climbing champ’s bouldering essentials | MEC Blog

Gear I love: a Canadian climbing champ’s bouldering essentials

Weekends hanging out at the cabin or cottage are about to get more fun, thanks to Yeti cooler backpacks, dehydrated cocktail mix, and snorkels to help you find the sunglasses that someone inevitably drops in the lake. If wheels are more your jam, we’ve got new bike stuff landing, alongside burly alpine layers and gear made for speed.

Dig in to our latest picks:

## Aerobie Squidgie Disc


What’s a trip to the beach without a floating plastic disc? The Squidgie’s aerodynamic design makes for easy throwing and pinpoint accuracy no matter your skill level.



BarCountry dehydrated cocktails distill your favourite mixed drinks into compact, easy-to-carry packets. To make any hour Happy Hour, just add water and a measure of your favourite bourbon, mix and enjoy. Each waterproof pouch has a fill line, making it easy to add the perfect amount of water.

Comes in Cherry Infused Old-fashioned, Coconut-Lime Margarita and Pickled Caesar mixes.



There’s no height restriction when it comes to crushing it. In a world with kid-sized carbon race bikes, the Radar EV XS Sunglasses make sure the quality of their optics matches the level of their ride.



Looking for a pair of burly active pants? The Ferrata Pants take you through 4 seasons of climbing, touring and mountaineering. Warmth coupled with wind resistance is a winning combo for long days at the mercy of Mother Nature. Tons of technical features like stretch, articulated knees and an integrated webbing belt help you push further up the skin track or ascend a particularity challenging ridge.



This technical midlayer is lightweight and breathable enough for alpine terrain. Low-loft fleece provides a good level of insulation for ticking your way up a pitch, and its smooth outside slides easily under outer layers when the temperature drops or it’s time to ski down.



## Fathom Varadero Mask with Dry Snorkel


Dive and return to the surface without taking in water. This combo lets you venture deep below the surface. It’s easy to equalize and offers a great field of view. Any water that does enter can be purged through the mouthpiece valve.



Super light, super fast. These sleek racing flats stay true to the road warriors who fell in love with the originals. Secure fit, stable chassis and REVlite midsole let you eat up the road that stretches out ahead. Great for races and fast training runs.



## 808 Audio Earcanz Bluetooth Headphones


Streamlined Bluetooth headphones that bring big sound from a small package, whether you’re listening to music or taking calls.

- Up to 3 hours of music or talk time on a single charge.
- Integrated button lets you answer calls and control your music.
- 3 different sizes of ear pads and ear fins let you find the perfect fit.



## Race Face Turbine R 457/150 Dropper Post


Built on the same platform as the FOX Transfer dropper, with the aesthetics that matches the rest of your Race Face R series build. This dropper post blends a cable-actuated post’s ease of maintenance with the responsiveness and reliability of a hydraulic post. 150mm of travel, and post length is 457mm.



A premium 29er, and in fact, one of the finest 29ers available anywhere in the world. Detailed and engineered for XC excellence, the Primer’s hyperlight carbon frame and top-tier Pro Build components deliver a ride that’s competent, flickable and fully race-ready.

- i-BOX Pivot System allows for compact seatstays and a shortened wheelbase for a remarkably nimble and efficient ride.
- Buttery RockShox Pike RCT3 fork and Monarch RT3 rear shock both feature multiple travel positions for a dialled ride on any terrain.
- 1×12 SRAM X01 Eagle groupset, with GX shifter, leverages a massive 10-50 cassette.



## Outdoor Technology Calamari 3-in-1 Charging Cable


The Calamari bundles the 3 most-used charging tips into a single cable, meaning you no longer need to carry a nest of wires with you everywhere you go. Includes Apple’s Lightning tip, a USB-C tip and a micro-USB tip.



Carry your cooler on your back and free your hands to help you scramble. A seriously rugged semi-soft backpack cooler, the Hopper BackFlip is designed to hold up to 20 355ml cans and enough ice to keep your beverages cold.



## Related articles
- [How to choose a wetsuit](/en/explore/how-to-choose-a-wetsuit)
- [2018 Intense bike lineup: A run down](https://www.mec.ca/en)
- [Gift ideas for people who love cabins and cottages](/en/article/gifts-for-people-who-love-cabins-and-cottages)



Weekends hanging out at the cabin or cottage are about to get more fun, thanks to Yeti cooler backpacks, dehydrated cocktail mix, and snorkels to help you find sunglasses that someone inevitably drops in the lake.

What’s new this week | MEC Blog

What's new this week

*When we learned the Garmin Fenix 5X Plus watch was first popping up in Canada at MEC, we wanted to get in on the wrist of someone who knows serious watches and logs serious kilometres outside ASAP. Enter: MEC Ambassador Nick Elson. We sent him out with freshly unpacked Garmin Fenix 5X to try it on some outdoor test runs.*

The Fenix 5X Plus Sapphire is Garmin’s latest top-of-the-line sport and outdoor oriented GPS watch (and retails for $1100). I’ve used four previous iterations of the Fenix series, so I was excited to test the 5X Plus and see how it compared. In this short overview, I’ve tried to focus on the watch’s distinguishing or new characteristics instead of covering every nuance or feature in detail.

## First up: the basics


As you’d expect, the Fenix 5X Plus allows you to record your outdoor activities. You can do this by using either the pre-programmed sport modes or by customizing your own modes so that you see exactly the data that you want during your activity. The watch includes a new GPS chipset and support for Galileo, which Garmin says will result in improved accuracy. I was generally happy with the tracks that I recorded; when I was in the forest next to cliffs I had some typical GPS glitches since there wasn’t a clear view of the sky and satellites.

Like many of Garmin’s watches, it includes activity tracking that will count your steps as well as things such as sleep and resting heart rate (through the optical heart rate monitor). It’ll also connect with your phone to give you notifications via Bluetooth, which allows you to surreptitiously glance down at your watch to see who liked your Facebook post when you should probably be paying attention to something else.

Finally, the watch has an impressive 32 hours of battery life while recording in 1-second GPS mode. If – heaven forbid – you’re planning to be moving for longer than that, then you can sacrifice some GPS accuracy and get up to 85 hours in UltraTrack mode.

## Maps and navigation


The Fenix 5 Plus series include full-colour maps. I think these maps and the navigation features that they enable are really the primary reason to buy one of these watches.

Not surprisingly, using the maps is a little different on a watch than on a full-sized GPS unit or a smartphone. However, once you get accustomed to toggling in and out and up and down using the watch’s buttons, they function much as you would expect from a larger device. Overall, the included maps work well and I found I could quickly glance down at the watch to orient myself to the terrain or to check which way to go if I came to a fork in an unfamiliar trail.

Because the maps contain roads and trails, the watch can actually create routes for you to follow. You put in the distance and direction that you want to go or choose a destination and, using data from other Garmin users, the watch will provide suggested courses that you can then select and follow. When I experimented with this around Squamish, BC, it tended to point me toward roads for route options (instead of trails). Knowing that, this feature could come in handy if you find yourself in an unfamiliar place; if you’re hunting for a specific route along certain trails, though, nothing beats your own route research before you head out the door.

If you’re following a course on the watch, the ClimbPro feature kicks in on the uphills to tell you stats specific to the climb that you’re on – things like how big it is and how far you are from the top. This info could be nice to know, especially during a race.



## Music
The Fenix 5X Plus has the ability to play music via Bluetooth. With a full set of maps installed, I found that I had about 9GB of space on the watch, which was plenty of room to store many hours worth of podcasts or bad pop music.

I was initially somewhat skeptical about this feature. I don’t listen to music that often and when I do, my phone seems to work perfectly fine. However, I did come to appreciate it on days where I felt like listening to music on a short run without having to worry about carrying my phone. To load audio files onto the watch, you need to plug it into your computer, so that process takes some time.



## PulseOx
One of the distinguishing features of the 5X Plus is the addition of a PulseOx function that uses a small red light to measure your blood oxygen saturation (SO2). This reading provides a piece of data not available from any other watch. But what I wanted to know is: is it useful data?

I’ve done previous expeditions at higher altitudes, and I didn’t know anything about my SO2 on those trips. To learn more about SO2, I reached out to my friend Eric, who’s currently a PhD candidate studying the effects of altitude on athletic performance. He confirmed that while SO2 does change as you go to higher altitudes, it’s also important to know that it’s highly individual and is far from a simple measure of whether or not you’re acclimatized – and listening to your body is an accurate indication of how well you’re adjusting.

For those planning to go on high-altitude expeditions, measuring your SO2 will give you some numbers to compare with how you’re feeling (and also give you an interesting diversion if you remain stuck in your tent for days on end).

## Other features
Other notable features on the Fenix 5X Plus include the ability to display live Strava segments, measure heart rate variability, and software that will predict your race times and VO2 Max. It will also connect to third-party sensors including cycling power meters and the new [Garmin inReach Mini 2](/en/product/6021-964/inreach-mini-2?colour=Black).

The Fenix 5X Plus watch also has Garmin Pay, which allows for contactless payments through the same technology that you would use to tap your credit card. (At the time of writing, there are no Canadian banks signed on to apply this technology here yet.)

## Other things to know


The Fenix 5X Plus is quite likely the most technologically advanced sport-oriented GPS watch currently on the market – it’s essentially an elegant and rugged wrist-based computer. Although I found the interface to be quite intuitive, it is a complex tool and there are lots of innovative features and functions that take a bit of time to figure out.

Like a lot of high-tech watches out there, the Fenix 5X Plus is a big, solid watch and may feel on the large side for some people. If you’re looking for a smaller package, its close cousin – the [Fenix 5S Plus](/en/products/run-and-fitness/training-running-and-fitness-electronics/gps-training-watches/c/1155?text=garmin+fenix+5s&org_text=garmin+fenix+5s) – has many of the same features, minus PulseOx and with a slightly shorter battery life. The [Garmin 245 Music](/en/product/6005-021/forerunner-245-music?colour=Black) is another lighterweight option that I use for my day-to-day running.

## Who will love this watch?
With all this in mind, I’d recommend this watch to anyone who enjoys experimenting with the latest technology. It’s a lot of watch – if you’re someone who wants to take advantage of all the advanced features, and is a serious outdoor user looking for the latest and greatest in GPS watches, the [Fenix 5X Plus](/en/product/5060-916/Fenix-5X-Plus-Sapphire) is an excellent choice.

On the other hand, if you’re someone who just wants to pull a watch out of its box, press a single button and don’t want to dig into details, there are lots of other [watch options](/en/products/run-and-fitness/training-electronics/watches/c/1153?filters%5Bbrand%5D%5B0%5D=garmin) with a set of simple features – the nice thing about watches and activity trackers is that you can choose how deep into data and tech you want to be.



## Related articles
- [What’s the best running watch for you?](/en/article/whats-the-best-running-watch-for-you)
- [19 Canadian trail races to add to your bucket list](/en/article/19-canadian-trail-races-to-add-to-your-bucket-list)
- [How to do anything: master interval training](/en/article/how-to-do-anything-master-interval-training)



Outdoor athlete and MEC Ambassador Nick Elson takes Garmin’s latest watch for a spin

Test run: Overview of the Garmin Fenix 5X Plus Sapphire | MEC Blog

Test run: Overview of the Garmin Fenix 5X Plus Sapphire

Garmin fans: it’s in. Top billing on this week’s fresh sheet goes to the Garmin Fenix 5X Plus Sapphire – and lots of other good stuff is landing too. Check out the latest, including a cooking pot that collapses flat to save space, Fjallraven Greenland Wax, the most fun your dog could ever have with recycled bike tubes, and more.

## Garmin Fenix 5X Plus Sapphire


Big news: if you’ve been waiting for this watch in Canada, it’s finally at MEC! Equipped with a larger battery and advanced heart rate technology, the 5X Plus is ready for your toughest races and training sessions. Some highlights:

- Improved Elevate™ optical heart rate monitor sensor lets you train without a chest strap and provides blood oxygen saturation level information.
- Includes Canadian map data, with room for more maps.
- Trendline™ routing uses Garmin Connect’s database of athletes’ routes and tracks to find the most popular way to get you where you’re going, letting you train like a local, wherever you are, on or off-road.
- Round-trip mapping: choose the distance you want, and the Fenix plots course options to take you out and back to where you started.
- Holds up to 500 songs. Download playlists via iHeartRadio or Deezer streaming services, or drag and drop MP3s from your computer through Garmin Express.
- … and a heap of other features.



The XPot pairs a durable and heat-efficient hard anodized aluminum base with a stepped silicone body to create a lightweight collapsible pot. Folding down to a mere 4cm thick, the Xpot 2.8 frees up valuable backpack real estate for more important items (like chocolate).



Keeps your drink at the temperature you want. Triple-insulated walls keeps drinks cold for up to 25h or hot for up to 12h, and won’t sweat on you. The wide-mouth opening accommodates most ice cubes.



Lights in 2 seconds and burns for up to 30 minutes, making them an ideal way to kickstart your campfire or BBQ. Waterproof design is perfect for your emergency kit or those camping trips where Mother Nature is in a foul mood.



Pants that will get you set for the (inevitable) soggy North Shore conditions a few months away. The seams are taped, the zippers won’t let water in and they’re cut for coverage as you ride. Best of all, the venting panel won’t make them feel like you’re wearing a garbage bag.



The Big Squeeze knife has an intuitive and easy to use sheath: simply reach for your knife, tighten your grip around the handle, and your knife is free. The blunt tip reduces the chances of puncturing yourself or your equipment.



What’s squeaky, super fun and made of recycled bike inner tubes? This awesome dog toy. Plus, it floats!



A Tour de France special edition pair of Look KeO Easy pedals (just in time for le Tour kicking off in July). A great choice for riders looking for a first pair of clipless pedals, or those looking for a simple pedal, they’re lightweight, easy to get in and out of, and feel stable.



Looking to boost the waterproofness of your Fjallraven G-1000 garments? Enter Greenland Wax. Rub it on, melt it in, and get ready to enjoy your favourite G-1000 jackets and pants, rain or shine.



## Related articles
- [Hiking with your dog](/en/explore/hiking-with-dogs)
- [Backpacking food and meal planning](/en/explore/backpacking-food-and-meal-planning)
- [Mountain biking gear checklist](/en/explore/mountain-biking-gear-checklist)



Big news! The Garmin Fenix 5X Plus is here, along with dog toys made from recycled bike tubes, collapsible cooking pots, Tour de France pedals and lots more freshies.

Looking for an adventure hat? Need portable power in your pocket or your cottage? The latest batch of products at MEC tick those boxes, plus plenty more. Check out what’s piqued our interest this week:

## Fenix HL40R Headlamp


With Fenix’s first rotary lens system, you can dial in the perfect beam, from flood to spot and everywhere in between. There are 7 brightness modes to choose from, including a reading mode. A boost mode of 600 lumens is great for scoping lines, or for helping you figure out what just made that noise outside your tent.



Toss your buddy a cold drink on day 3 of your epic adventure and reach instant legend status. From frontcountry to backcountry, this cooler can take it all. 40% lighter than similar-sized hard-sided rotomoulded coolers.



Tired of looking for a plug? The Sherpa 15 lets you keep an extra charge in your pocket. With USB-C and micro-USB tips, you can keep your must-have devices topped up for all-day adventures and long-haul flights. 4-level LED power indicator lets you know how much power you have left.



Made of old plastic bottles and wild rubber – each pair contains about 3 recycled plastic bottles. Veja is about minimalism and innovation, and operates on the principles of radical supply chain transparency, fair trade and ecologically sound practices.



With a solid resume of adventures behind it, the Tilley Hat is a Canadian icon, and the best-selling Airflo Hat is no exception.

- UPF 50+ protection shields your head when there’s no shade in sight.
- Broad brim and DWR finish keep you dry when storm clouds gather.
- Stealthy pocket in the crown holds extra cash or your passport for those times you don’t want to wear a money belt.



Known for its reliable and rugged power solutions, Goal Zero is a household, van-hold or yurt-hold name among off-grid adventurers. The Yeti 1000 lives up to expectations, using lightweight (vs lead-acid) lithium batteries to give you on-grid convenience no matter where you are.



Made from organic cotton and Tencel, the Rya V-Neck resists wrinkles and is a comfy option for your everyday routine.



ChromaPop® lenses deliver exceptional clarity, high contrast and dynamic colour optimization, making them great for challenging light conditions. Hydroleophobic lens coating helps protect the lenses from smudges/droplets and repels water, making them easier to clean.



## Related articles
- [How to choose a headlamp](/en/explore/how-to-choose-a-headlamp)
- [Travel checklist](/en/explore/travel-checklist)
- [What’s new: last week’s edition](/en/article/whats-new-this-week-6)



Just in: Canadian-made Tilley hats, portable power, vegan sneaks, Pelican coolers and more. See what’s landing at MEC.

What’s new this week

Forest or lakeview site? Sunrise or sunset watching? S’mores or banana boats? Camping and backpacking are full of decisions to make. So when it comes to camping gear, we want to make sure you know what exactly choice is right for you.

Check out our gear vs. gear video series below – we compared some of our favourite picks for pillows, tents, sleeping pads, sleeping bags and camp chairs side-by-side to help you make your decision.

## Camping chairs
##### Nemo Stargaze Luxury Chair vs. MEC Park Chair


MEC Gear vs Gear: Camping Chairs

If want to kick back for front row seats during the meteor shower, the Nemo is a prime option. And if you’re looking for a solid seat with 3 different reclining positions, the MEC Park Chair is ready to hit the beach, park or campsite.



## Lightweight tents
##### MEC Spark 2 vs. MSR Hubba Hubba NX


MEC Gear vs Gear: 2-person Tents (3-season)

Counting grams for your 3-season gear? The Spark 2 is lightweight for long-haul adventures, and the Hubba Hubba is a well-loved classic for a reason (plus you can set it up as a fly/footprint combo).



## Camping tents
##### MEC Camper 3 vs. MSR Elixir 3


MEC Gear vs Gear: 3-person Tents (3-season)

Excellent roomy options for backpacking trips with quite a few similarities. The MSR Elixir 3 comes with a footprint included, and the MEC Camper 3 has a higher waterproofness level in the floor.



## Sleeping pads
##### Car camping: MEC Reactor 6.5 vs MEC Reactor 10


MEC Gear vs Gear: Sleeping Pads

With 10cm of pure cushy comfort, the Reactor 10 is your ticket to peak camp dreams… but the Reactor 6.5 isn’t far behind and has the member reviews to back up its legacy. Both are available in double sleeping pad sizes too.



##### Backpacking: MEC VectAir vs Therm-a-rest NeoAir Trekker


Gear Vs Gear   Neoair trekker vs Vectair Sleeping Pads EN

Dreaming of backpacking trips? These 2 sleeping pad options are both insulated air pads, but with slightly different R-values and packed sizes. If you want a bit more sleeping surface, they also come in longer and wider options.



## Camping pillows
##### MEC Air Pillow vs. MEC Deluxe Pillow


MEC Gear vs Gear: Camping & Travel Pillows

Bottom line: both camping pillows are way comfier than sleeping on a balled-up fleece jacket, and neither one takes up a ton of space.



## Sleeping bags
##### Backpacking: MEC Cassiopeia -9 vs. MEC Delphinus -9


MEC Gear vs Gear: Sleeping Bags

Two of our best-selling sleeping bags – is down or synthetic the right option for you?



##### Car camping: MEC Creekside vs MEC Fireside


Gear Vs Gear   Creekside vs Fireside Sleeping bags EN

Both of these bags are made to keep you comfy on car camping trips. The Creekside sleeping bag is an easy to care for rectangular bag (at a solid price), and comes in a few temperature ranges and sizes. The Fireside is all about maximum sleeping comfort – and it has a zip-off quilt, too.



## Related articles
- [How to choose a tent](/en/explore/how-to-choose-a-tent)
- [Camping gear: where to splurge vs. save](/en/article/camping-gear-where-to-splurge-vs-save)
- [How to choose a sleeping pad](/en/explore/about-sleeping-pads)



Torn between options? We did a side-by-side comparison to show you what’s what.

Gear vs. gear: camping edition | MEC Blog

Gear vs. gear: camping edition

It’s (finally) time to welcome 9pm sunsets and weekends filled with bike rides, hiking trails and playing fetch with your pooch at the park. Make the most of the start of summer weather with the latest stuff we’re stoked on:

## BioLite Solarhome 620


The SolarHome 620 lets you add a touch of solar-powered civility to your adventure van, off-grid cabin or base camp. This compact kit includes 3 hanging daisy chain lights that have multiple modes and work like your lights at home; simply flick the switch (and one light has a motion sensor). The control box houses a large battery and doubles as a radio and MP3 player. Dual side-mounted USB ports even allow you to charge your devices.



Garmin packs more into the Edge 130 than any other compact bike GPS. You get GPS-based speed and distance, barometric altimeter-based ascents and descents, navigation through courses setup through the free mobile app (or Strava), plus smart notifications and alerts. The internal antenna connects 3 different satellite constellations, a first for any Garmin unit.



If you’re just getting into road racing, these clipless pedals could be your jam. They’re made with good-quality sealed cartridge bearings to offer reliable performance.



What’s smaller than 2 Tic Tac® boxes and can save your life? Garmin’s new inReach Mini takes the core features from the proven inReach GPS satellite communicators and shrinks them down to pocket size.

- You can send and receive text messages and emails anywhere on the planet, staying connected even where there’s no cell phone coverage.
- Internal GPS handles basic navigation and sends location data with each message, letting your followers track your adventures.
- A dedicated SOS button lets you call for help, no matter where you are.



The ultimate resource for anyone faced with providing immediate care when access to a medical facility is difficult or impossible. Teaches you vital wilderness first aid skills such how to survey, assess and stabilize a victim, how to manage symptoms, and how to care for wounds and orthopedic injuries.



Limited edition ombre colours. The double-wall insulation keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours, hot for up to 6 hours, and won’t sweat on you. Standard wide-mouth opening fits many existing filters and lids.



## MEC Lightweight Baselayer Long John’s – Children


So versatile: they work on their own in the summer, then go under anything in winter. Wicking fabric dries fast, and it’s equipped with antimicrobial technology to keep it smelling fresher for longer. UPF 40 sun protection for when the sun comes out.



## Therm-a-rest NeoAir Camper Duo Sleeping Pad


A two-person sleeping pad that won’t feel like a two-person sleeping pad. Separate chambers give you and your partner the option to customize the firmness. 7.6cm of thickness is a dream come true for side sleepers and toss-and-turners who need extra plushness.



Everything is better with sprinkles. Chuao applies this truth to this new milk chocolate bar, which is loaded with chunks of crunchy waffle cone and buttery hazelnuts, then topped with sprinkles.



Topo Designs, a Colorado based company, makes timeless gear with modern function, and strives to build skillfully crafted pieces that last and don’t slide quickly out of fashion. They also strive to reduce waste through a lifetime warranty and repair program.



## Nite Ize Huck’n Tuck Collapsible Thrower


Play ball all day (and all night) with this fun and bright thrower. A collapsible handle means it’s easy to store in your pocket or pack so you’re always ready for a slobber-free fetch ‘sesh. Durable LED Ball is great for nighttime play.



SPY Happy lenses heighten contrast and colour without affecting clarity. The tough Grilamid® frame is known for flexibility, durability and lightness, excellent for performance eyewear frames.



This hybrid garment bag and bike bag drapes over your rear rack, and keeps your dress clothes clean and crisp. Fits a full suit, a pair of shoes, ties and belts, a towel, a toiletry kit, bike tools, keys, wallet, phone, lunch and a laptop. Designed in Vancouver.



## SRAM XG-1275 10-50T 12 Speed Cassette


The argument is over: the front derailleur is dead. For the first time, you don’t have to choose between gear range, weight and reliability. The Eagle 12-speed gives you the range of a 2x drivetrain. It offers a whopping 500% range (10-50T) so you can climb and descend at the speed you want.



## Related articles
- [Hiking with your dog](/en/explore/hiking-with-dogs)
- [How to choose a sleeping pad](/en/explore/about-sleeping-pads)
- [Just add sun: our favourite solar-powered products](https://www.mec.ca/en)



Just landed: the Garmin inReach mini, cushy sleeping pads for two, beauty water bottles and Topo Designs packs – see what’s fresh and new.

Have you ever floated above the ground in a tent? How about listened to music via bone conduction? This week’s fresh sheet is about to open up your outdoor world (and bring you some new staples). See what we’re excited about:

## Aftershokz Trekz Titanium Headphones


Bone conduction sends sound vibrations directly to your inner ear. This leaves your ear canal free and clear so you can hear your music as well as what’s going on around you. Trekz Titanium Headphones let you listen to music and make and answer phone calls without interrupting your workout.



Take the easy way. Save more than $50 when you buy these 3 products as a bundle. This deal’s only available online. Includes the MEC Camper 2 Tent, Creekside 10C Sleeping Bag and Camper Sleeping Pad. Want another combo? Give us a call at 1-888-847-0770 or shop in-store to [save 10% on a customized MEC camp bundle](/en/explore/special-offers).



Is #vanlife or a long camping roadtrip calling your name? This combo fridge/freezer is a big step up from a box and a block of ice. It runs off a highly efficient compressor, or you can use the DC plug in your car, van, camper or boat. Plus, you can charge your phone from the built-in USB port. Low power consumption and low-voltage battery protection is suitable for solar set-ups.



A portable treehouse. This big hammock/tree tent sleeps 2. Suspend it between 3 trees like a hammock, for a completely different camping experience. This version is light enough to take backpacking.



## Frontiersman Bear Spray with Practice Spray


This kit contains both an active bear spray and an inert training canister filled with water. The training canister is loaded with water but otherwise identical to the real thing, and allows you to become comfortable with canister handling and operation.



A trad shoe that blends performance with comfort, it’s not traditionally stiff, but supports your foot with a tensioning system that runs under the mid-foot and over the heel. The higher cut protects your ankle bones when your jamming or cranking 40 metres of offwidth (you know you love it).



Tired of being covered in splinters and bark after gathering firewood? This waxed carrier holds a bundle of wood for convenient transportation and keeps you clean and splinter-free.



The Tikkid is a compact, lightweight and bright headlamp that gives kids a light of their own. 3 modes:

- Low that’s just right for reading.
- High that’s great for after-dark games or finding the way to the bathroom.
- Flashing mode that helps keep little ones visible (and lights up spur-of-the-moment dance parties).



Socks that stand up to long training days on the trail or pavement. Anatomic arch support hugs your foot, and the performance fabric wicks and breathes.



## Related articles
- [How to choose a headlamp](/en/explore/how-to-choose-a-headlamp)
- [Travel tips for a nomadic life](/en/article/the-gear-you-need-for-a-nomadic-life)
- [How to choose climbing shoes](/en/explore/choose-your-climbing-shoes)

