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Outdoor Tips, Tricks, Inspiration and Activities | MEC Blog

Do you have an [MEC Uplink](/en/search/?text=uplink) in your closet? Plenty of members do. Since its launch almost 8 years ago, the Uplink’s quickly become one of MEC’s iconic products. Originally designed to be a layer for climbing, it’s now a wardrobe staple. You’ll see it on members climbing in Squamish, paddling on Georgian Bay or commuting along Lake Shore Boulevard.

So what makes the Uplink so successful? Turns out, a lot.

*The Uplink trekking at about 12,000ft. in the Zanskar Range of northern India…*





*… snowshoeing on Mount Seymour, BC…*



### The “unicorn” of jackets
“The success of the Uplink has become a bit of a study for us,” says MEC backcountry designer Spring Harrison. “It hits so many sweet spots, from performance and warmth to weight, versatility and price. Lots of research has gone into figuring out how to replicate this for our other pieces we design.”

Members rave about being able to wear it through three seasons. Others love that you can layer it under a more city-style jacket to keep you warm when you’re out meeting friends after work.



Product testing played a huge role in creating the Uplink (as well as other MEC gear). Not many people know that MEC has our own in-house lab for product testing, run by a roster of engineers who poke, prod, stretch, drench and scorch every material long before it hits the shelves.

Once something’s been made into an actual item someone can wear or use, it then goes through a robust field-testing program. MEC Ambassadors, power users and core athletes can test the gear more authentically than any machine – think skiing 100 days or more per year – so we send pieces with them into the wild. For example, the Uplink was tested all over the backcountry in British Columbia, and MEC Ambassador and pro climber Sarah Hart tested multiple versions of the jacket when she was climbing in Patagonia.

And once a product is on the shelves? There’s the continual member feedback via reviews, ask and answer conversation loops on mec.ca, and recommendations from members.



### Cold, hard data
To get even more insights, MEC also conducts pilot projects that may influence the next evolution of a product – or even change the way we test products. We took the Uplink to a special cold chamber to see what we could learn about this type of testing. “The test in the video below gave us a chance to better understand human physiological conditions and gain some increased sense of what does (or doesn’t) influence someone’s comfort,” says Joel Mertens, MEC Material Technologies Integrity Engineer.



Cold Chamber Testing Reel

### The future of the Uplink
“Although it would be silly to the pull the Uplink now – and we definitely wouldn’t – you always need to have a succession plan,” says Spring. When it comes to designing the next round of products, Spring and the other designers are always paying attention to what members have to say.

So with that in mind, we’d love to hear from you. What your favourite MEC products, what pieces are missing in your wardrobe, and what’s your go-to gear? Let us know on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/mec/), [Twitter](https://twitter.com/mec) or [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/mec/). Over the next little while, we’ll be profiling some of the most iconic pieces from the MEC label, and will let you in on some of the research and testing they’ve gone through before they hit the shelves.

Expect the Uplink to stick around as one of MEC’s alpine pieces for years to come.



What makes the MEC Uplink a best-seller year after year? Turns out, a lot. See where it’s been, from Zanskar treks to getting tested in a cold chamber.

MEC favourites: the ubiquitous Uplink Jacket | MEC Blog

MEC favourites: the ubiquitous Uplink Jacket

Whether you’re about to go ski touring around snowy peaks in the BC backcountry, travel through lush rainforests in Southeast Asia, or board a plane for a trip on the other side of the country, knowing how to pack efficiently is undoubtedly one of the most useful skills to have.

As senior equipment designers at MEC, James Brittain and Mark Knight are packing experts. They devote one-third of their time to travelling – across Canada and around the world – to visit factories that make our gear, meet with materials suppliers, and scope out new places to explore outside. They’re also the people behind the designs of MEC backpacks (along with tents, sleeping bags and more), and offer up these practical packing tips:

### 


Roll or fold: Packing Tips from MEC Designers

Both James and Mark are advocates for rolling their clothes rather than folding them.

The beauty of this technique is that you can easily stuff these “burrito-shaped packs” – as James calls them – inside items with empty space, like your shoes. Plus it means you can unroll your clothes without them ending up all creased. Mark points out that another advantage of rolling your clothes is that you don’t have to rummage through stacks of folded items to find a specific shirt.

### Store smaller items inside bigger items
Besides your clothes, you can get creative with how you store other items in the empty spaces of your belongings. For instance, on hiking trips, Mark recommends that you stuff your [sleeping pad](/en/products/gear/camping-and-hiking-gear/sleeping-bags%2c-sleeping-pads%2c-quilts-and-pillows/sleeping-pads/c/1416) or a [storage bag](/en/products/gear/camping-and-hiking-gear/packs%2c-child-carriers-and-stuff-sacs/stuff-sacks/c/1348) inside your [outdoor cookware](/en/products/gear/camping-and-hiking-gear/camp-kitchen/cookware-and-utensils/outdoor-cookware/c/1274). He explains that, “not only does this help eliminate the unused space, it also serves as protection for your pot so it won’t get crushed.”

### Categorize your stuff with packing cubes


To make it easier to find things jumbled in your backpack, use [packing cubes](/en/products/gear/travel-gear/travel-pouches-and-packing-organizers/c/1354). James likes to separate his belongings into different categories for each packing cube: one for electronics, another for first-aid items, a third for cooking utensils and so on. Each packing cube is colour-coded and labelled for clear identification.

Not only does this help you stay organized, it’s also handy in emergency situations when other people might have to sift through your bags to find something fast. Let’s say you get injured in the backcountry, and you’re unable to open your bag and grab a first aid kit. With a properly labelled packing cube, your travel buddy can find the first aid kit with ease.

Mark uses packing cubes with two compartments to separate his clean clothes from his dirty laundry. This is a great way to help keep your fresh t-shirts away from your well-worn socks, and when you get home, you can empty the “dirty” compartment straight into the washing machine.



### Keep everything dry
Travelling to a rainy destination? Mark has these three simple tips to keep your belongings dry:

1. Put a [rain cover](/en/products/gear/packs-and-bags/rain-covers-and-pack-liners/c/1344) over your backpack. Besides keeping your backpack free of moisture, a rain cover will also help protect your bag from tree branches on the hiking trail.

1. Store vulnerable items in a [waterproof stuff sack](/en/products/gear/camping-and-hiking-gear/packs%2c-child-carriers-and-stuff-sacs/stuff-sacks/c/1348) and then put the sack in your backpack. This will keep your items dry, even when you need to put your bag down on wet, marshy ground.

1. As you’re packing up from a camping trip, put the wet portion of your tent in the outer compartment of your backpack so that it’s exposed to fresh air and can dry more quickly.

Consider these packing tips when prepping for your next trip. You never know how much you’ll want to bring back home, so get creative with how you squeeze in that extra souvenir t-shirt or two.

*Looking for more travel tips? Check out [16 rad travel hacks from adventurous Canadians](/en/article/16-rad-travel-hacks-from-adventurous-canadians).*

*Photo credits: Redshinestudio / Shutterstock.com*



Roll or fold? How do you pack up a wet tent? Use these creative packing tips from MEC experts to make travelling easier.

Roll or fold? Packing tips from the pros | MEC Blog

Roll or fold? Packing tips from the pros

There’s a stack of old MEC catalogues in our office and online, and I’ve mined through the pages to find gems from the 1970s onwards. Here’s a look back at the evolution of style for ski outfits over the last four decades – we’ve come a long way.

### Ski pants and jackets
**Evolution: lighter, stronger, stretchier**

When it comes to outer layers, one of the biggest changes over the years involves the fabrics. When neon ruled, ski suits were padded and oddly stiff. In the past few decades, ski jackets and pants have become more lightweight with lots of stretch for easy movement, and are also more durable. “The whole point of good gear is that you don’t feel like you’re wearing it,” says MEC Production Coordinator Nicholas L.



*Left to right:*Water-repellent and windproof Nyldown and Supermicroft gear, circa 1992 MEC winter catalogue, alongside some layers from this year, including the [MEC Steepside Jacket](/en/product/5044-736/Steepside-Jacket) and [Khione Jacket](/en/product/5044-743/Khione-Jacket).

Another obvious change? The cuts and designs themselves. “Today’s jackets have built-in snow skirts so you don’t have to wear bib pants or a one-piece suit,” says Nicholas. The colours have also evolved since the classic royal blue/jade/red palette (but solid turns never go out of style).



*Left to right:* The “Co-op Powder Fiend Wind Suit” made its debut in 1987, and “The Extreme Fiend” followed shortly after. Both were lightweight for their era, with lots of zipper options for ventilation, and were made to “break the breeze during spring and fall, and shed powder in winter.” Fast-forward 25 years to the jackets like the [Patagonia Reconnaissance](/en/product/5047-563/Reconnaissance-Jacket).



### Base layers
**Evolution: performance plus patterns**

While you can’t ignore how badass past styles were – along with the photoshoots – it’s intriguing to see how base layers have changed over the years. Wool, nylon, cotton and polypropylene were popular in the 1970s and 1980s. In the 1990s, our catalogue said that “technology has hit lowly long johns in a big way” with Lycra added to the fabric “for a smooth and comfortable fit.”



*Left to right:* MEC Light-Weight Underwear in classic ivory or purple from 1993. Today’s patterned base layers, the [MEC T2 Long-Sleeved Crew](/en/product/5043-644/Merino-T2-Long-Sleeved-Crew) and the [T1 Long Johns](/en/product/5033-447/T1-Long-Johns).



*Left to right:* More classics from the archives, including silk layers that were “truly unsurpassed in this age of synthetics in its divine feel” (1992/93 MEC winter catalogue), and some made with wool, cotton and polyester blends and polypropylene (1982-83 winter catalogue).

Today’s base layer fabrics include recycled polyester and merino wool that’s soft and itch-free. “Back then, wool was thicker and not necessarily oriented toward performance,” says Nicholas.  Modern fabrics wick moisture away from your body, plus many feature anti-microbial treatments to help keep them smelling fresh after ski weekends, and some even have UV protection. Another bonus? They come in prints as well as solids.



*Above:*[MEC base layers](/en/brand/mec/products/clothing/underwear%2C-long-johns-and-base-layers/c/1053) come in a 3-tiered system to categorize them from coolest to warmest (T1, T2 and T3), and give you the choice of synthetic or merino wool.

### Headwear
**Evolution: more cozy, less cowl**

From balaclavas to toques, headwear basics haven’t changed too much over the decades. You could even argue that some of the prints and colours from the past are showing up again today. Some things that have changed? Well, we no longer carry cowls (below, bottom right)…



*Left to right:*Balaclavas and toques from the 1981/82 MEC winter catalogue, and a round-up of headwear from the 1992 catalogue.

… and we’ve become a lot more strategic about the placement of certain fabrics. For example, today you’ll find wool beanies lined with soft fleece around the ears, which increases the cozy factor. There are even [goggle compatible facemasks](/en/search?text=goggles+facemask) that attach with magnets, so you don’t look like a lobster at après.



*Right:*Some retro style showing up in today’s toques, like the classic-looking [MEC Pom Pom Hat](/en/product/5042-139/Pom-Pom-Hat) and the [Patagonia Powder Town Beanie](/en/product/5053-228/Powder-Town-Beanie).

### Kids’ wear
**Evolution: over two decades of little rippers in MEC Toaster Suits**

If you can believe it, kids who wore the first one-piece MEC Toaster Suits are now in their twenties… which means they may very well have their *own* kids in Toaster Suits. It’s like a child’s rite of passage signifying the start of an epic snow season. While there have been plenty of tweaks and improvements to the design over the years, it’s quite timeless and keeps kids so comfortable they’ll fall asleep wearing it in the stroller or on the ride home.

If only they came in adult sizes.



*Left to right:* Some classic kids’ ski style from the back page of our 1981/82 winter catalogue, and the MEC Toaster Suit as seen in our 2009 winter catalogue.

The [MEC Toaster Suit](/en/features/hood/search?text=toaster+suit) is still going strong (along with the [Toaster Parka](/en/search/?text=toaster+parka) and [Toaster Bib Pants](/en/product/5047-840/Toaster-Bib-Pant)) and ready to get handed down to the next generation of little rippers.



New school vs. old school. Which do you prefer? In the end, it doesn’t really matter what you’re wearing, as long as you’re warm and comfortable, have a good crew and are set for a day on the hill.



## More ski articles
- [What to wear when you go skiing](/en/article/bluebird-to-whiteout-how-to-dress-for-ski-days)
- [How to wash and re-waterproof your ski jacket](/en/explore/caring-for-a-waterproof-jacket)



What you wear when you go skiing has come a long way – it’s throwback time. See some vintage ski clothing plucked from the pages of the MEC catalogue, compared side-by-side with looks from today.

The evolution of ski style | MEC Blog

The evolution of ski style

It’s the time of year when our excitement for snow on the ski hill is picking up momentum (kind of like a giant snowball). Naturally, that means a lot of skiers – newbies and powderhounds – are thinking about gear.

If you’re just learning to ski or want to upgrade your gear, it can be daunting to sort through the various models to find which skis suit your style. Exhibit A:



MEC Ski selection



Enter: the MEC ski quiz. You’re only a few questions away from finding the right pair or skis to carve, rip and shred your local hill.

[*Take the ski quiz to find your perfect skis*](/en/products/gear/snowsports-gear/ski-gear/skis/downhill-and-backcountry-skis/c/1403)



Here’s how to find your perfect skis, whether you’re a powderhound, a newbie, or need something to cut the chatter through the chunder monkeys.

What skis are right for you? | MEC Blog

What skis are right for you?

No matter what winter activities you’ve got planned, you’ll need to think of ways to keep warm while you’re crunching on trails in snowshoes or building snowforts all afternoon. The right combo of [clothing layers](/en/explore/clothing-layers) is key, but there’s another factor that we often overlook: hot beverages.

The 7 sweet and savoury ideas below are best enjoyed in a [vacuum bottle](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/kitchen-and-hydration/water-bottles-and-travel-mugs/vacuum-bottles-and-tumblers/c/1232) when you’re surrounded by a dusting of snow or hanging out fireside after a long day on the hill. Stay toasty with one of these piping hot options:

#### Hot apple drink
Go beyond tea, coffee or hot chocolate with this vitamin C-enriched hot apple drink with a trace of spice. The best part about this drink is how simple it is to make: add a pouch and hot water to your mug, stir and enjoy. It’ll help you get cozy and it doesn’t have caffeine, which makes it great for late-night sipping after a long day of snowboarding.

*Mug suggestion: Something lightweight to pack along to the ski hill, like the [Hydro Flask Lightweight Standard Mouth Trail Series](/en/product/6012-534/lightweight-standard-mouth-trail-series-621ml).*

#### Chili and spice hot chocolate
While hot chocolate is the classic winter drink, you can kick things up a notch by adding some spice. A mix of cocoa powder and cinnamon with a hit of ginger and chili, this [hot, spicy drink](/en/product/5036-149/Organic-Fair-Trade-Chili%26-Spice-Hot-Chocolate) – along with some ginger cookies – will help you perk up after an hour at the sledding hill.

*Mug suggestion: Thermos Direct Drink Bottle has a pop-top latch that’s easy to use with gloves on.*

#### Lentil stew
Don’t limit your mug to sweet stuff. A hearty vegan option, this organic [lentil stew](/en/product/5059-193/indian-red-lentil-stew-56g) includes onions, garlic, various herbs and a drop of curry. You can enjoy in the pouch it comes in, which means all you have to do is fill up your insulated mug with hot water and pour it in. No dishes required, which means less stuff in your backpack when you glide along cross-country ski routes.

*Mug suggestion: [Hydro Flask Bottle](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/kitchen-and-hydration/water-bottles-and-travel-mugs/water-bottles/c/1233?filters%5Bbrand%5D%5B0%5D=hydro%20flask&filters%5Bcustom_fields.features%5D%5B0%5D=insulated) to keep your water hot for up to 12 hours.*

#### Potato cheddar soup


If you want a creamy option that doubles as an outdoor lunch for your snowshoe walk on quiet trails, try this [potato soup with cheddar and chives](/en/product/6018-915/country-potato-soup-with-cheddar-and-chives). Made of potatoes, cheddar cheese, red bell peppers and green onions, this soup will satisfy both your taste buds and your desire for something warm and filling. Like the lentil soup, you can mix in the pouch. 

*Mug suggestion: [Hydro Flask Standard Mouth Bottle](/en/product/5054-399/standard-mouth-bottle-621ml), which can hold enough hot water for the potato soup pouch.*

#### Butter tea
Called “po cha” in Tibet, this tea is a traditional drink made with yak butter, milk, salt and tea leaves (since yak butter’s likely tough to find, you can use regular butter). Start by boiling water with 2 tea bags in a large pan until the water is dark brown in colour. Then add milk and continue boiling. Blend with some butter and salt, and transfer it all into your mug. Need more guidance? Here’s a [recipe](http://drinks.seriouseats.com/2011/11/yakkety-yak-tibetan-salty-butter-tea.html).

*Mug suggestion: A wide-mouth option, like the [Hydro Flask Wide Mouth Insulated Bottle](/en/product/6012-554/wide-mouth-flex-sip-lid-bottle-473ml), for easy sipping and cleaning.*

#### Yerba mate


A caffeinated South American drink, [yerba mate](http://drinks.seriouseats.com/2011/03/what-is-yerba-mate-how-to-brew-mate.html) (pronounced *yer-bah mah-tay*) is traditionally prepared by steeping dry yerba mate leaves in hot – but not boiling – water inside a hollow calabash gourd, and then is sipped through a metal straw. Since not everyone has access to a mate gourd, you can make it at home and pour the finished product inside an insulated mug to enjoy on a break when your thighs are burning mid-ski day.

*Mug suggestion: [Yeti Rambler Tumbler with Magslider Lid](/en/product/5056-608/rambler-591ml-tumbler-with-magslider-lid).*

#### Hot toddy
A classic drink, the [hot toddy](http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/hot-toddy-233821) features a nip of rum, whiskey or brandy mixed together with hot water and honey. You can also add some lemon or ginger ale for an extra twist. It’s a nice option to warm up quickly after an afternoon of cross-country skiing, or a way to cap off a winter full moon walk.

*Mug suggestion: A bottle with a lid that doubles as a cup (like this [GSI Glacier Stainless Vacuum Bottle](/en/product/5040-524/glacier-stainless-vacuum-bottle-1l)), along with a [flask](/en/product/6005-622/boulder-flask-296ml) for any special additions.*

After you’ve been outside working up a sweat on the trails or just building snowmen in the park, a piping hot beverage is a great way to unwind. Forget the usual hot chocolate and try any one of these tasty drinks for something a little bit different.



*Photo credits: SyhinStas / Getty Images, RyersonClark / Getty Images, Aneta_Gu / Shutterstock.com*



Looking for hot drink ideas? Go beyond coffee and cocoa with these sweet and savoury suggestions – they pair great with skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or just hitting up the sledding hill.

7 delicious ways to stay warm outside this winter | MEC Blog

7 delicious ways to stay warm outside this winter

Wherever you live in our beautiful nation, one thing is pretty much guaranteed each year: snow, which is a big bonus for ski bums everywhere. But as any dedicated rider knows, each ski day is at the mercy of the weather gods (cue sacrifice to Ullr). Morning flurries can do a 180 in the afternoon and turn into a bluebird day, or temperatures can drop so low that you need a warm-up after every lap (this happened to me once at Castle Mountain – so cold).

Whatever the weather, these expert tips will tell you how to stay warm while skiing. Spring Harrison, MEC senior apparel designer for backcountry, breaks down what to wear on any given ski day:

#### Colder than a polar bear’s pajamas (really cold)
If you’re anywhere east of Chilliwack, BC, you know frigid temps. “When it comes to beating the cold, nothing is warmer for its weight than down,” says Spring, who suggests grabbing an super-lightweight piece like the MEC [Spicy Hoodie](/en/product/5037-102/Spicy-Hoodie) or [Commix Hoodie](/en/product/5036-944/Commix-Hoodie) to layer under your jacket to keep you warm. They’re made of ultra-strong ripstop nylon to resist tears and are treated with DWR (durable water repellency) to shed light snow or rain, which makes this essential even more resilient. Plus, they pack down so small you can stash it in your jacket pocket if you get too warm.



Spicy Hoodie / Chandail à capuchon Spicy

Pair your insulator with a [ski helmet](/en/products/gear/snowsports-gear/ski-gear/ski-and-snowboard-helmets/c/1512) that has closable vents so heat can’t escape, an [MEC Merino T3 base layer](/en/brand/mec/products/clothing/base-layers-and-underwear/c/1053?q=merino+t3%3Asales-rank) (our warmest merino thermal, so it’s the best base layer for cold weather) and some [super warm ski socks](/en/products/footwear/socks/ski-socks/c/1520). “It’s all about managing warmth,” adds Spring. “When you’re trying hings on, make sure everything is adjustable to prevent drafts – like cinchable cuffs or collars – and create a microclimate in your jacket. All MEC jacket hoods fit over helmets, which is great for keeping you warm on the chairlift.”

#### Whiteouts and bad visibility
In whiteout conditions, two things are key. The first is making sure your [ski jacket](/en/products/clothing/jackets/ski-board-jackets/c/1027) and [snow pants](/en/products/clothing/bottoms/pants-and-tights/snow-and-ski-pants/c/1013) will stand up to lots of wind and snow. If your local hill tends to have wet snow, look for a jacket or shell with GORE-TEX, since it will stand up to sleet and pelting flakes.



The second is to wear [ski goggles](/en/ideal-for/downhill-skiing/products/gear/eyewear/c/1168?q=%3Asales-rank) with the right lenses, depending on what conditions are causing the bad visibility (for darker days, look for lenses with a higher visible light transmission, which lets more light):

- Pink lenses: great for flat, low and mid-light conditions on cloudy, overcast days.
- Yellow lenses: best for flat light and spotting moguls, ridges, jumps or uneven terrain since they filter out brightness without masking sharpness – ideal for snowy conditions.
- Amber or orange lenses: good for foggy, overcast days and will also help you spot jumps and bumps.
- Green, violet or blue lenses without any addition of black or red hue lens tints: help in partly sunny to low-light conditions by reducing eye fatigue and enhancing visual detail.

#### Half sun, half snow
On these days, layer, layer, layer. If you’re wondering how to layer for skiing, Spring has some tips. “It’s all about versatility,” says Spring. “Our most basic MEC ski pieces have synthetic insulation, so they won’t absorb sweat when you’re hiking or skiing hard, but they also won’t leave you freezing when you stop and cool down. The [MEC Obsession line](/en/brand/mec/search?q=obsession%3Asales-rank&text=obsession) has incredibly breathable insulation, which makes each piece great for long lift lines.”

The [Khione](/en/product/5044-743/Khione-Jacket) and [Centre Point](/en/product/5044-737/Centre-Point-Jacket) jackets are also great outerwear pieces for all conditions because they combine waterproofing with insulation,  plus they have a bevy of pockets to stash extra layers, socks, a thinner pair of gloves, sandwiches to eat on the chairlift – you name it.



#### Bluebird conditions and spring skiing
Keep things layered and light with a synthetic [compressible insulated jacket](/en/gender/women%27s+men%27s/ideal-for/snowsports/products/clothing/jackets/compressible-%26-insulated-jackets/c/1020?q=%3Asales-rank) and [outerwear shell](/en/gender/women%27s+men%27s/ideal-for/downhill-skiing+backcountry-skiing/products/clothing/jackets/ski-board-jackets/c/1027?q=%3Asales-rank) and pants. Make sure your jacket and pants have lots of venting so you can cool off after the sun warms you up.





For your ski goggles, these are the days for black, brown and red or vermillion lenses, which generally have lower visible light transmission. They’re ideal for bright conditions since they block out a significant amount of UV light. They may not always appear to be those colours on the surface, but may have a cool gradient or rainbow effect and can include polarization to help cut glare.

*Want to dial your ski set up even more? Learn*[*how to layer*](/en/explore/clothing-layers)*.*



## More ski articles
- [How to wash your ski jacket](/en/explore/caring-for-a-waterproof-jacket)
- [How to clean down jackets](/en/explore/cleaning-down-clothing-and-sleeping-bags)



What to wear skiing or snowboarding, depending on the weather and conditions. Tips on ski jackets, pants and layers, along with ski goggles.

How to dress for ski days, from bluebird to whiteout | MEC Blog

Bluebird to whiteout: what to wear when you go skiing

Are you hanging onto downhill skis so skinny they’ve been mistaken for cross-country skis? Is your toque so old and ratty that your friends have tried in earnest to throw it away behind your back? Have you tried to resell your banged-up 1997 ski boots without any takers?

We say show off your true ski bum ways and repurpose the gems you’ve accumulated over the years. Here’s how to upcycle them into something cool.

#### 1. Espresso shot ski


Give this boozy ski-lodge necessity a caffeinated twist – your friends will thank you when you wake them up super early for first tracks. Remove the bindings and deck out your used plank with espresso cups instead of shot glasses. Don’t forget to grab a [portable espresso maker](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/kitchen-and-hydration/coffee-makers-and-kettles/espresso-makers/c/1781) for cabin trips, and sip carefully – it’s hot.

#### 2. Burning Man goggles


Dance your shoulder-season cares away with a bunch of strangers/new friends in the desert under some rainbow lenses made for serious sunlight. Especially handy in dust storms on the playa.

#### 3. Ski fence


A classic, no doubt about it. Start your own by sourcing old gear from your social network, or donate yours to a local hill so your old skis live on at the resort. Requires commitment, but the end result is worth it.

#### 4. Wall art


Forget pricey art prints. All you need is an empty wall, a couple mounts and you’re the coolest collector on the block.

#### 5. Ski pole wind chimes


Nothing like the sweet clang of metal sticks to send you off into a snowy daydream.

#### 6. Toque tea cozy


There’s something extra cozy about a pompom on top of your speckled enamel tea kettle filled with earl grey.

#### 7. Hiking poles


Not collapsible, but no less effective. Bonus: zero adjustments required (although removing your powder baskets is advisable).

#### 8. Boot and helmet planters


To complement the ski wall art, of course.

#### 9. Portable growth chart


Track your kiddos’ vertical gains without having to lose that sentimental piece of doorway trim when you move homes.

#### 10. Pay it forward
You know that friend who is always saying that they don’t have the gear, money or time to make skiing happen? Passing on your stuff as a gift gets them one step closer to the slopes.

*If these quirky second-life hacks aren’t your jam, donate them to your local thrift store or get in contact with your local hill to see if they can recycle or reuse your stuff.*



## More ski articles
- [How to wash and re-waterproof your ski jacket](/en/explore/caring-for-a-waterproof-jacket)
- [How to choose and fit ski boots](/en/explore/how-to-choose-ski-boots-and-bindings)
- [How to choose downhill skis](/en/explore/how-to-choose-downhill-skis)



Have old ski gear buried in your garage or gear closet? Find out how to upcycle skis, boots, toques and more into something cool.

Weird ways to recycle your ski gear

10 weird ways to recycle your ski gear

[Intense Cycles](/en/brand/intense/products/gear/bikes/c/854?q=%3Asales-rank&text) recently released their 2017 lineup, including the totally new [Recluse](/en/product/5051-554/Recluse-Pro-Bicycle). Purpose-built to satisfy the all-mountain category, the Recluse is more aggressive than the [Intense Spider 27.5](/en/product/5051-547/Spider-Pro-Bicycle), while offering slightly tweaked geometry from their full enduro machine, the Tracer 275c. Intense Cycles rider and World Cup athlete Forrest Riesco has been trying out the 2017 Recluse. We caught up with him to talk riding, goals, personal preferences and – of course – the bike.



##### Tell us a little bit about yourself – who are you?
I’m a 22-year old mountain biker who loves racing bikes.

##### Where are you from?
I was born and raised on the Sunshine Coast, and grew up in the small town of Gibsons, BC. I’m still there, with no plans of moving yet.



##### Who do you ride for?
I ride for myself, and for the love of it! I’m also fortunate to have sponsorships from Intense Cycles, [Kali Protectives](/en/brand/kali/products/gear/c/gear?q=%3Asales-rank&text), FOX Suspension, [Ryders Eyewear](/en/brand/ryders-eyewear/products/gear/c/gear?q=%3Asales-rank&text=), [Race Face](/en/brand/race-face/products/gear/c/gear?q=%3Asales-rank&text=), [Maxxis](/en/brand/maxxis/products/gear/c/gear?q=%3Asales-rank&text=), Gamut, Atlas Braces and Birzman.

##### What have you been riding for the past season?
The Intense Cycles Tracer 275c Palmer Edition trail bike, and an Intense Cycles M16 DH bike.

##### What stood out when you rode the new Recluse?
The Recluse’s longer top tube length felt really nice on the trail. Since I’m tall, the extra reach combined with a slack head tube angle made for a much more comfortable bike at speed.



##### How does the Recluse differ from your Tracer 275c?
After a season on the Tracer 275c, stepping onto the Recluse felt really comfortable. The longer top tube was a huge benefit on the trail for a guy my size, and the Recluse was amazingly nimble. The head tube angle is a 0.5° slacker on the Recluse than the Tracer, yet it’s also got a steeper seat tube angle. So even though the Recluse has less travel, it felt just as capable on the descents, and actually was more comfortable on the climbs than my Tracer.



##### Your favourite trails?
My favourite race track is the [Mont-Saint-Anne](http://mont-sainte-anne.com/en/summer/mountain-bike/) World Cup course in Quebec. I look forward to racing it every year. On the [Sunshine Coast](http://www.trailforks.com/region/sunshine-coast/), I have some of the best trails in the world at my doorstep. Some favourites near home include the trails around Roberts Creek, like [Mach Chicken](http://www.trailforks.com/trails/mach-chicken/). Lately the work being done at [Sprockids](http://www.trailforks.com/region/sprockids/) has been amazing, so I’ve been spending a lot of time in there.

##### What’s your biggest goal for 2017?
My main goal is to maintain top 20 results on the World Cup downhill circuit.

##### Your current go-to “ride really fast” song?
I listen to a lot of rock and alternative. Lately I’ve been listening to Metric quite a bit.



##### Breakfast on race day?
I keep it simple and go for oatmeal with almond milk and a dollop of peanut butter. I usually have some fruit too.

##### Favourite post-ride recovery beverage?
Coconut water.

##### First mountain bike ever?
A Norco Mini Mountaineer – which was awesome – but my first bike with suspension was a Giant Yukon.

##### What’s inspiring you these days?
The fact that the riders on the World Cup continue to pour their heart and soul into racing, and also travelling the world. It’s amazing to get to compete among so many driven athletes.



See more of the Recluse, along with the other bikes in the new [2017 Intense Cycles fleet](/en/brand/intense/products/gear/bikes/c/854?q=%3Asales-rank&text=).



The 2017 Intense Cycles line-up is unleashed. Get a first look at the totally new Intense Recluse with one of Canada’s fastest downhill riders.

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