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Outdoor Tips, Tricks, Inspiration and Activities | MEC Blog

If there’s one thing the MEC Label design team knows, it’s Canadian winters. Knee-deep snowdrifts, face-numbing wind, west coast downpours – they’ve seen it all.

To get you ready for whatever weather and activities you’re planning, we spoke to MEC Label designer James for the inside scoop. Here are his top picks for the warmest jackets and the best insulators to layer up.

Bonus: every jacket on this list has [bluesign® approved material](/en/article/what-the-heck-is-bluesign) to keep sustainability as top of mind as performance.



## Our warmest winter jacket
**MEC Great Northern Down Parka**



### The Great Northern Down Jacket is for you if…
- You live in a place with icy winters – we’re talking double-digit negative temps – and you do a lot of moving from point A to B
- You want a hood to buffer howling winds and wet-weather protection for sleet
- You want to know that the down you’re wearing is responsibly sourced

### Details that make it great
Check the reviews: this jacket has kept people toasty in Ottawa, Winnipeg, Saskatchewan, Montreal and Yukon winters. The waterproof-breathable exterior is designed to shut out snow, sleet and wind blasts. Plus, you’ll be wrapped in a plush layer of 550-fill down. Fleece-lined pockets are a nice touch to warm icy fingers.

> “This is our warmest, most burly jacket. Full-weather protection, and you can slip it off and wear it like a backpack if you’re waiting for the subway.”
>


## Our warmest, most lightweight winter jacket
**MEC Tremblant Jacket**



### The Tremblant Jacket is for you if…
- You spend a lot of time outside, even when it’s super cold – camping, snowshoeing, snow shoveling
- You want a warm down layer without feeling weighed down by a massive jacket
- You’re looking for a jacket you can trust, season after season

### Details that make it great
Years of reviews on mec.ca from Tremblant wearers reveal what makes this jacket a hit. There’s a lot of love for layering with this coat, either on top of a light sweater or under a shell for mega protection from the elements. The 700-fill power down meets the Responsible Down Standard, and smart touches like overstuffed shoulders and elastic binding at the hems surround you in warmth.

> “The Tremblant Jacket has our best warmth to weight ratio. It’s like a lightweight furnace – excellent on cold, dry days.”
>


## Our premium packable jacket
**MEC Radiator Lite Down Hoodie (women’s available soon on mec.ca)**



### The Radiator Lite Down Hoodie is for you if…
- You’re active in the backcountry all winter long
- You want a high-end down layer at an excellent price point
- Your trips may involve some wetness in addition to coldness

### Details that make it great
Our favourite features start with the baffles that hold the 850-fill power down; the woven baffle chamber construction keeps in heat better than traditional stitch lines. The ultralight nylon fabric has a DWR finish and the responsibly sourced down is DWR treated to keep loft and warmth when damp.

> “Take it alpine climbing, backcountry skiing or hiking, and you’ll be grateful for two things: the small space it takes up in your pack, and the layer of warmth when it’s on.”
>


## Our best ski jackets
**Centre Point Insulated Jacket and Khione Insulated Jacket**



These insulated ski jackets are for you if…

- You want to stay warm on ski runs, the chairlift and lift lines
- You like the option to vent when you’re working hard
- You want your ski jacket to do double-duty when you’re in the city

### Details that make it great
Nothing cuts a ski day short like feeling freezing cold, and this jacket is designed to prevent just that. The 2-layer waterproof-breathable fabric and taped seams keep wetness out, and the synthetic Hyperloft insulation throughout wraps you in toastiness. One nice touch? The soft fleece-lined chin guard.

> “Ski specific features like a goggle pocket and a powder skirt are designed for the hill. But it also looks like a jacket you could wear around town too.”
>


## Our most lightweight down puffy
**Boundary Light Down Jacket**



The Boundary Light Down Jacket is for you if…

- You camp, hike, ski or snowshoe in cold weather and want an insulating layer
- You have a rain shell that needs extra warmth underneath (West Coast: we’re looking at you)
- You want a versatile shoulder season puffy

### Details that make it great
Amazing value for the quality of down in this jacket (and it’s certified to the Responsible Down Standard). It’s an excellent crossover piece and the reviews show just how many places people wear it, everywhere from late-season hiking to bike-packing in Kananaskis. You’ll reach for it again and again on cold, dry days in the city too.

> “We expect West Coast folks to get a lot of use out of the Boundary Lite. But we also know the rest of Canada can make good use of an extra light layer, especially in spring and fall.”
>


## About MEC Label
Designed in Canada, tested in our big backyard. We have decades of experience creating clothing and gear with sustainability in mind, and publish a full factory list so you know exactly where your MEC Label gear is made.



## Related articles
- [What the heck is Bluesign?](/en/article/what-the-heck-is-bluesign)
- [How to create a clothing layer system](/en/explore/clothing-layers)
- [How to wash a down jacket](/en/explore/how-to-wash-a-down-jacket)



Top picks for Canadian winters in 2020 from MEC Label designers.

Your guide to the warmest jackets from MEC

[Parks Canada](http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/index.aspx) and MEC have been working together for over 10 years. As part of its 100th anniversary celebrations in 2011, Parks Canada (in partnership with MEC) launched the first Learn-to Camp events.

The [Learn-to Camp program](https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/serapprocher-connect/ltc-dlc) connects first-time campers with the Canadian camping experience. Participants learn all kinds of outdoor skills, like how to set up a tent, use a camp stove, and safely light a campfire. The goal is to foster an appreciation for nature and set families up for a lifetime of camping memories.

Last summer, Learn-to Camp reached more than 110,000 people through overnight events and outreach activities. MEC and Parks Canada are pleased to present a few videos of the most popular Learn-to Camp topics.

## How to set up a tent
Tents are essential for any camping experience and come in all shapes and sizes. Follow these handy tips to make set-up a breeze:



How to set up a tent

Camping gear for your home away from home:

- [Tents](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/camping-tents-tarps-and-bivies/tents/c/1449)
- [Sleeping bags](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/sleeping-bags-and-pads/sleeping-bags/c/1410)
- [Sleeping pads and mats](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/sleeping-bags-and-pads/sleeping-pads/c/1416)
- [Camping pillows](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/sleeping-bags-and-pads/camp-pillows/c/1408)

## How to start a campfire
Campfires are a great way to keep warm, cook food and set the mood for some camp games and sing-a-longs.



How to light a campfire

Find what you need to help your camp meals come to life:

- [Campfire and fire pit accessories](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/kitchen-and-hydration/stoves-fuel-and-fire/campfire-and-fire-pit-accessories/c/1796)
- [Fire starters, matches and lighters](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/kitchen-and-hydration/stoves-fuel-and-fire/fire-starters-matches-and-lighters/c/1282)
- [Camp stoves and ovens](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/kitchen-and-hydration/stoves-fuel-and-fire/camp-stoves-and-ovens/c/1835)

## How to set up a tarp
Wind, rain or sun? A tarp’s got you covered. Follow these tips to put one up at your campsite:



How to set up a tarp

Gear to keep sheltered:

- [Camping tarps](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/camping-tents-tarps-and-bivies/tarps-and-light-shelters/c/1441)
- [Ropes and cord](/en/products/climbing/rock-climbing/ropes-cords-and-slings/static-ropes-and-cord/c/1394)
- [Bug nets and dining tents](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/camping-tents-tarps-and-bivies/bug-net-shelters/c/1442)



## Related articles
- [Camping checklist](/en/explore/camping-checklist)
- [How to choose a camp stove](/en/explore/choose-your-camp-stove)
- [Delicious s’mores recipes](/en/article/craft-smores-boost-your-camp-snack-game)



A few videos of the most popular Learn-to Camp topics.

Learn-to Camp with Parks Canada and MEC

E-bikes are game changers. They give you all the benefits of cycling, but with a bit of boost to tackle pesky things like hills on leisurely weekend rides or sweat-free trips around town.

Plus, owning an e-bike has the planet-friendly side effect of increasing the likelihood that you’ll reach for your helmet over your car keys. In a North American study of 1,800 new e-bike owners, 55% said they rode daily or weekly prior to owning an e-bike, but once they got an e-bike that number jumped to 91%1.



## What are e-bikes used for?
New technology has allowed e-bikes to become lighter, faster and more efficient than ever before – here are some popular reasons you might choose an e-bike:

### For commuting
You get to enjoy riding to and from work, without worrying about arriving a sweaty mess, even if your route is full of climbs. Commuting via e-bike gives you a lower carbon footprint, and gives you a dose of fresh air and exercise every day. One survey found that 28% of North American e-bike buyers bought them as an alternative to a car and not as a bike upgrade2.

### For carrying kids or cargo
Cargo e-bikes make getting heavy loads from A-to-B totally doable. With their extra cargo space, these e-bikes are great to take care of your weekly grocery shop, transport kids around town, or load up for the ultimate family day in the park.

“We bought our e-bike mainly to transport our toddler who was at daycare a 20-minute drive away… worse in rush hour,” says MEC staffer Brock. “We were tied to driving, since whoever dropped him off had to pick him up. Now, with an e-bike, we have way more freedom. Our son sits on the back and loves seeing trains and ships, all the things he couldn’t see in a car.”



### For mountain biking
E-mountain bikes make the ride up easier and faster, keeping your legs fresh and maximizing your time on the trail. They’re also handy to help you get to the trails faster (and maybe even without loading your bike in a car). Plus, if you plan to go riding after a long commute, an e-mountain bike can give tired legs the help they need to get some laps in.

### For accessibility or balancing out a group
E-bikes are an excellent way to get multiple generations or different fitness levels out on a ride together. Cyclists who may be working on their fitness can enjoy the freedom of cycling with a little electronic boost. E-bikes also allow riders to extend their pedaling years; with the right e-bike, the kids will be trying to catch up to grandma, and not the other way around.

### For riders recovering from injury
E-bikes are a helpful tool to get back on two wheels after an injury. With the electronic drive unit’s smooth torque delivery, riders can maintain an even cadence, which puts less pressure on joints. And with an e-assist, riders can keep their heart rate lower. Always make sure to talk to your doctor to find out what’s right for you in terms of recovery and exercise.

### For fun
Yep, it’s that plain and simple. With a few pedal strokes, e-bikes take you from a standstill to the rolling freedom that make you feel like a kid again. Almost everyone who hops on an e-bike for the first time gets a grin on their face when they feel what they’re all about.



## What are the different types of e-bikes at MEC?
MEC carries three types of e-bikes. All our models of e-bikes are pedal-assist, which means the electronic drive unit only kicks in when you’re actually pedaling (no pedaling = no electric assistance).

**Urban, hybrid e-bikes**: Perfect if you bike mostly on roads. If you plan to bike commute, ride around town with steep hills, or want to do urban adventures without getting sweaty, these e-bikes are for you.



**Cargo e-bike**: A two-wheeled pack horse ready to take over car duty and carry heavy loads wherever you’re heading: park, school, groceries, home improvement store, you name it.

**E-mountain bike**: Most mountain bikers will agree: the best part of riding is going down. E-mountain bikes can get up you up the mountain so you have enough steam to go down, over and over again.



## Common questions when buying an e-bike
Check out answers to a few of the top questions we hear about e-bikes:

### How far can I go on an e-bike?
Range is one of the biggest questions around e-bikes. It’s important to be aware that a lot of factors can affect your e-bike’s potential range and how long your battery will last. Hills, turning on power assist, headwinds, rough roads, and how much weight you’re carrying all impact your e-bike’s potential range. That said, a good rule of thumb uses watt hours (Wh) of your e-bike’s battery: every 20Wh will provide about 1.5km of range on even terrain at around 30kph with gentle pedaling. Some e-bike drive manufacturers have tools to estimate how far you’ll be able to go with their e-bike (like the [Bosch range assistant](https://www.bosch-ebike.com/ca/service/range-assistant/)).

There is one thing that you can do that will greatly increase any e-bike’s range… pedal! The more effort you put into the ride, the less work your e-bike must do and the farther you can go.



### What kind of regulations are there around e-bikes?
Each province looks at e-bikes a little differently, though you will see some commonalities, such as:

- Power limited to a maximum of 500W.
- Power assisted max speed of which means the e-assist helps only up to 32km/h. Any faster and it’s all you.
- Working pedals, which means the drive unit only applies torque when you are pedaling.

At MEC we only carry e-bikes that meet the features mentioned above. Be sure to know your local rules and regulations, as some provinces are stricter than others; for instance, e-bike riders in PEI require a driver’s license. Also, if you are looking at an e-mountain bike, research what your local trails allow. Most trails allow e-mountain bikes with the features outlined above, but it’s important to understand what’s permitted on trail networks before you go.

### How do I charge an e-bike?
Charging an e-bike is about as easy as charging a phone. If your e-bike has an integrated battery, simply insert the included plug into your bike’s port after you’re done your ride. If your e-bike has a removable battery, pop the battery off and bring it in with you after your ride, then simply plug it into the included charger.

### How heavy is an e-bike?
E-bikes can weigh a fair bit more than regular bikes. We include the weight of each e-bike as part of the tech specs on mec.ca. If your cycling life involves lifting a bike on and off a rack or carrying it up the stairs at the office or in your apartment building, it’s a good idea to think about weight and how you’ll get it from your house to the road.

## Bike bonuses
Buy a new bike, get free adjustments and minor maintenance for a year at any MEC bike shop. When you buy a regularly priced Cannondale bike over $2000, you get even more post-purchase perks: free bike service in-store for two full years. [See details and conditions](/en/explore/special-offers)



## Related articles
- [How to choose a bike helmet](/en/explore/how-to-choose-a-cycling-helmet)
- [How to choose bike lights](/en/explore/choose-bike-lights)

*Source for*[*1*](https://www.calbike.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/A-North-American-Survey-of-Electric-Bicycle-Owners.pdf)*,*[*2*](https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/industry/technology/technology-media-and-telecom-predictions/2020/bike-technology-transformation.html)



Find out what you can use them for, along with useful things to know.

A helpful guide to e-bikes

Let’s face it: there are few other MEC products as iconic as the Rad Pants. Over MEC’s 49-year history, Rad Pants have become pretty legendary and have a bit of an infamous backstory.

They first hit the MEC catalogue in 1989, and we never expected to be carrying them for decades. We ended up discontinuing the Rad Pants in 2001, only to bring them back a season later because so many members were asking for them. Eventually, they dropped out of our assortment and seemed destined to become part of MEC folklore or relegated to a lucky thrift-store find.

Until now. Because Rad Pants are back – again.



MEC Rad Pants

## Wait – they’re really back again?


Yes. Last year, we opened the design vault to unleash a special limited run of Rad Pants, and were blown away by the response. Members scooped up nearly the entire run of MEC Rad Pants in about a day and a half.

With a response that huge, we decided to give you another chance to own a slice of history. It’s another limited run, and we’re mixing things up with a new heritage colour option: Desert Red.



## Committed to real Rads
For decades, Rad Pants have helped Canadians climb, hike, paddle, travel, bike and bask in the glory of bellowed thigh pockets. When they were discontinued, they caused tearful outpourings of love and broken hearts at Annual General Meetings, spawned online obituaries and poetry, and caused heated debates over the merits and failings of different (non-Rad) reincarnations.

When we decided to bring back Rad Pants, the MEC Label design team was committed to recreating them in their true shape, material and even with the original MEC woven label. This year’s limited run of Rad Pants is just as true to form.



There’ve been so many iterations of Rad Pants over the years that they had to dig deep into our archives to revive them. “We looked up the original pattern specs of the last incarnation of the Rad Pants in our system,” said James Brittain, MEC Design Manager, “and sent them over to the factory – without a single change to the pattern – to create our limited runs of Rad.”

After the patterns were locked down, the next challenge was to faithfully recreate the fabric. The only issue? “No one who owned old Rad Pants would let us cut up their heritage pair to send a physical sample to the fabric mill for them to recreate the raw material,” said James.



Problem-solving mode engaged, MEC designers turned to our friends at @vintage_mec. They were able to find us a pair of old MEC Rad Pants that we could chop up to give fabric samples to the mill. The new Rad Pants have the exact same fabric spec as the original versions, and the material is [bluesign® approved](/en/article/what-the-heck-is-bluesign) for a reduced environmental footprint.

> The design hasn’t changed at all from the Rad Pants you remember – even down to the old MEC logo. Plus the fabric is now bluesign-approved®.
>
Finally, as a finishing touch for these Rad Pants, the original MEC logo is back. To make sure we stayed true to the heritage label design, we tracked down the retired couple who used to own the now-closed factory that manufactured our woven labels. It turns out they had dusty boxes of original MEC woven labels tucked in the corner of their attic, which our new factory could use to recreate the design for the pants they were destined for.



## Bottom line about these bottoms
They’re back (again), but it’s a limited run (again). If you retired your old pair of Rad Pants decades ago, if you want to own a piece of MEC history, or if you’ve always wondered what all the Rad Pants hype is about, you’ve got another chance to snap up a pair.

We’d say that these new Rad Pants are radder than ever… but really, they’re just as rad as they’ve always been.



## Bonus facts for true Rad Pant connoisseurs
Aching for more nostalgic radness? We’ve scoured the archives for bonus Rad Pants facts and all the cheesy 90s catalogue poses you could possibly imagine.



## The pocket was perfect for 1989 tech
One of the main features of the original Rad Pants were the roomy thigh pockets. These were prime spots to keep a topo map, energy bars… or a 1980s music player. It’s true, the original pockets were sized so they’d fit a Sony Discman.

Only downside? The low pockets were near the knee, which sent your Discman ricocheting with each step (and electronic anti-skip technology wasn’t invented until 1995).

## They came in no less than 27 colours
Basic black? Sure. But Rad Pants also came in a knock-out colour palette over the years, including:

Atlantic Blue, Cinnamon Red Curry, Crimson, Black, Blue, BlueSpruce/Bluespruce, Deep Blue, Desert Red, Driftwood, Eggplant, Electric Blue, Green, Honey Beige, Jade, Marine Blue, Midnight Purple, Navy, Plum, Purple, Red, Royal, Royal Blue, Sage, Sea Green, Taupe, Teal and Turquoise.



## There was a whole “Rad program”
Rad Pants were just the beginning. There were also:

**Rad Shorts**, which hit the catalogue as **“**A short built for radical action!”

**Rad Shirts** with features like, “a long front zip eases pulling over head gear and fuzz… and a lower kanga pocket for your roo.”



**Cotton Rad Pants** with a “double bum, knit cuff, slash side pockets and wallet pocket all add up to a great, robust summer pants.” Note: we are still hazy on the benefits of a “double bum” feature.

**Radfans I, II and III fanny packs.**“These fannies are state-of-the-art,” was the cheeky catalogue caption. The Radfan III had a whopping 10.5L capacity (for context, that’s 3.5L larger than our current [MEC 8-hr Sling](/en/product/5058-233/8-Hr-Sling)).



## They have many nicknames
They were originally launched as “the ultimate movement pant,” and have been called many things over the years – some by us, some by other people. A few stand-outs:

- Baggier than a Shar-Pei puppy
- Indestructible and relentlessly unisex
- The Canadian national uniform ([source](https://rwalker.exblog.jp/4781511/))
- High fashion in the Rockies
- The trousers of my heart ([source](http://ourfamilylines.ca/ode-rad-pants/))
- MEC legend

## #radpants is a thing
Rad Pants hit the scene 30 years ago and have transcended time. Browse the [#radpants hashtag](https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/radpants/) and there are some gems.

They’re true to their roots



Media Not Found

… and will be with you for a long time.



Thanks for the memories, Rad Pant fans. We’re looking forward to many more.



## Related articles
- [Mountain magic: 48 years of good times outside](https://www.mec.ca/en)
- [The ultimate travel pants](/en/article/the-ultimate-travel-pants)
- [How to repair a torn waterproof jacket or pants](/en/explore/how-to-repair-a-torn-waterproof-jacket-or-pants)



There are few other MEC products as iconic as Rad Pants. They seemed destined to become part of MEC folklore or relegated to a lucky thrift-store find... until now.

The legend of MEC Rad Pants

When you’re shopping for outdoor gear, most of us look at cool features you can see – taped seams, cleverly placed pockets, reflective materials. But what about the stuff you *don’t* see? The vats of swirling dyes or the person mixing chemicals to make your gear waterproof?

That’s where Bluesign comes in.

Bluesign is kind of like a team of science detectives with a serious interest in safety. They’re experts that investigate the chemistry that goes into manufacturing fabrics, from the molecular level (seriously) all the way to the stuff flowing out of the pipes at a fabric mill.

It’s nerdy, it’s complicated, and we love it. If you’re the type of person who cares about how your clothes and gear are made, we think you’ll dig it too.



## Wait – why are there chemicals in outdoor gear?
If you’re looking to only wear products that aren’t made with chemicals, you’ll likely be naked. Fact is, even the most natural fabrics require chemistry. Dyes, water repellents, stain release agents – it’s all chemistry. Most of us don’t think about it since we don’t see it.

What’s extra surprising that only a tiny portion of chemistry used to make a material – about 10% – ends up in the final material. The majority is used in processes along the way, like anti-foaming agents to help make sure dyes aren’t patchy. It can end up harming the environment (emissions, waste materials or waste water) or hurting people who are working with it (carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, harsh reproductive toxins) if it’s not managed responsibly.

## How does Bluesign help?
When you choose products made with bluesign® approved fabrics, you can feel confident that they were made in the safest possible way for the planet, workers and you. MEC Label has been working with Bluesign since 2005, and we were the first Canadian retailer to become a bluesign® system partner.



## Okay, but what does Bluesign *actually* do?
Bluesign helps stop problems before they start. They work with brands (like MEC Label), fabric mills and chemical suppliers in the supply chain. The goal is to create and use the safest and most sustainable materials possible.

Good chemistry means that:

- Toxins aren’t released into air, water or on land
- People aren’t harmed by chemicals they’re handling
- There’s a lower environmental impact, since less water, energy and actual chemicals need to be used

You want to know the products you buy are free from toxic substances, and bluesign approved materials are indeed safe. But many people are surprised to learn that some of Bluesign’s biggest impacts aren’t about consumers – they’re about workers and the environment. The potential exposure to really bad stuff is so much greater to people who handle the fabrics and where they live than anything the average Canadian consumer would ever experience.

Properly managed chemistry in the supply chain protects places and people everywhere.

## Why is it so hard to keep bad stuff out?
Short answer: supply chains are complicated:



This diagram is what keeps social and environmental responsibility teams up at night. When you’re a brand trying to make a t-shirt or backpack, it’s often impossible to understand all the players involved in making your finished product.

MEC works with Bluesign to help us make more responsible choices when we’re sourcing fabrics. If a factory we want to work with isn’t part of the bluesign system, we make the introduction so Bluesign can jump into science investigation mode. They dig into what chemistry is used, how chemical mixtures are formulated, and how it’s all being handled.

The reality is that most brands don’t know what’s in their supply chain. MEC has a goal of using 100% bluesign approved materials, and 88% of the materials we use for apparel and sleeping bags are already bluesign approved. We’re also working at understanding more of the players in our own supply chain. We currently know tier one factories and subcontractors (e.g., creating finished products), and tier two material partners (e.g., turning raw materials into fabric), and [share our supplier list publicly](/en/explore/factories).



## Who are these science experts?
The people at Bluesign are a technical bunch. Many are chemical engineers or have PhDs in chemistry to deeply know chemicals and be able to audit chemical facilities. One group even specializes in something called homologation, which is a fancy way of saying chemical assessments and ratings. Bluesign Technologies AG is based in St. Gallen, Switzerland, and has team members all over the world.

## What can MEC members do about all this?
Good news: your choices have an impact. We recognize that no individual, organization or brand is perfect (including MEC – we’re on a sustainability journey where the end goal is always evolving), but individual actions are a great place to start. Some ideas from our sustainability team:

- **Buy less**: Purchase fewer things, go secondhand, rent, borrow, and use what you have more.
- **Look for quality**: When you do buy new, look for well-made stuff that’s built to last.
- **Be curious**: Who made your gear? If a brand is claiming something, who’s verifying those claims, and what numbers back it up?
- **Think brands over items**: Look for brands that have a solid track record in sustainability (like being involved with Bluesign, Sustainable Apparel Coalition, Fair Trade and more) instead of a shiny new “green” product that was created without other aspects in mind.



## Related articles
- [How-to articles and videos for gear repair](/en/explore/product-care-and-maintenance)
- [Tent vs. tee: the carbon footprint at MEC](/en/article/tent-vs-tee-the-carbon-footprint-of-outdoor-gear)
- [Fair Trade Certified at MEC](/en/explore/fair-trade)



It’s nerdy, it’s complicated, and we love it. If you’re the type of person who cares about how your clothes and gear are made, we think you’ll dig it too.

What the heck is Bluesign?

“When I first heard about Recco’s new helicopter-mounted detector in Europe, I got excited about its possibilities,” says Mark Knight, part of the MEC Label design team. “Our local search and rescue team had over 130 calls that year, and this new technology seemed to offer huge potential for helping volunteer SAR teams find missing or lost people in the backcountry.

“If we could champion this cause, we could help get a detector here to support local search and rescue teams.”

Fast-forward a few years to today, and helicopter-mounted Recco technology is finally in Canada – along with [Recco-equipped backpacks](/en/features/recco-system/products/camping-and-hiking/packs-and-bags/c/1564) that make you searchable. These backpacks range from compact day hiking bags to fully loaded backpacking options.

See the story behind it all, and how this new technology can be used:



RECCO x MEC

## Where is Recco being used?
Search and rescue teams in a few Canadian regions – Vancouver’s Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island, southeast BC and Alberta – are currently able to request access to use the helicopter-mounted Recco detector system (it’s also in some parts of Europe and the United States). The helicopter-mounted detector allows searchers to cover a square kilometre in about six minutes by air, even over thick trees or mountainous terrain.

If Recco sounds familiar, it’s because this technology also shows up in winter backcountry ski gear to help organized rescue and ski patrol in avalanche burial situations. Avalanche rescue detectors are smaller handheld devices (note: they are *not* a substitute for [avalanche safety gear and training](/en/explore/avalanche-safety-gear-and-training)).

The evolution to a larger helicopter-mounted detector means you can search much farther and faster, and also opens it up to all-season wilderness searches.

## How does Recco work?
Recco is a two-part system: detector and reflector. The detector emits a radar signal that bounces back when it hits a reflector (kind of like shining a flashlight onto a mirror). Reflectors are small, lightweight, don’t need batteries to work or be activated, and they can be embedded into gear. When a person wears clothes or a backpack with a Recco reflector, they become searchable by the detector.

## How to stay safe when you’re hiking
Search and rescue is a last resort. Before you hit the trail, it’s incredibly important to:

- **Prepare before you go**: Start with these [day hiking tips for beginners](/en/explore/day-hiking-for-beginners). Research your route and choose a trail that works with your fitness and outdoor skill level.
- **Gain outdoor skills**: Check out [free or low-cost hiking clinics](/en/explore/outdoor-impact) at MEC. We cover lots of topics, from how to use a GPS to packing for an overnight hiking trip. Local hiking groups are also a good way to learn from more experienced hikers.
- **Bring proper gear**: The [10 essentials](/en/explore/the-10-essentials-hiking-camping) are a must, even if it’s just a short hike. Good hiking footwear and layers. First-aid kit.
- **Leave a trip plan with a trusted friend**: [AdventureSmart](https://www.adventuresmart.ca/tripplan.htm) has a trip plan template and app to get you started. Make a note on your trip plan if you’re bringing Recco-equipped gear.



## Related articles
- [The 10 essentials for hiking and camping](/en/explore/the-10-essentials-hiking-camping)
- [Day hiking for beginners](/en/explore/day-hiking-for-beginners)
- [Backpacking basics: how to plan an overnight hiking trip](/en/explore/planning-for-overnight-hikes)



Finally in Canada: Recco detection via helicopter. Find out how it works, where it is, and how this could be a game-changer in the backcountry.

These backpacks can help search and rescue find lost hikers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



MEC Vancouver store climbing wall

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

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

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



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

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



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

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



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



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



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

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



MEC Vancouver murals by Jessa Gilbert

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

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



MEC Vancouver Relocation

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

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



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

Sneak peek of the new MEC Vancouver flagship store

*There’s a new bike brand in our riding family – Cannondale bikes are now at MEC. To give you the scoop of what’s in the 2020 line-up, we’ve put together a mini guide to all things Cannondale with our MEC bike experts.*

#### First things first: why Cannondale?
Like MEC, Cannondale is all about getting people active outside and having fun. One thing that’s great is that they have a full range of bikes – road, gravel, mountain, commuter, e-bikes, kids – that can work for members from Victoria to Halifax. People in Canada also know Cannondale, so it’s a name many members recognize and trust. They’ve been making bikes for more than three decades.

#### What makes Cannondale stand out?
They’ve always been an innovative brand and never shy away from trying new stuff, which gets other people in the bike industry thinking about what’s possible. They pioneered high-end aluminum technology, and were early adopters of full suspension for mountain bikes and carbon fibre for road bikes. If it weren’t for companies like Cannondale pushing technology, leading the way and testing things outs, we’d be riding pretty boring bikes.



#### What bikes will you see?
Everything from gravel and e-bikes to carbon and kids’ bikes, and the whole range of riding in between.

**Cannondale commuter and urban bikes at MEC:**

- Three e-bike models: [Canvas Neo and Remixte](/en/brand/cannondale/products/cycling/bikes/electric-bikes/c/1780?text=Canvas), and the [Quick Neo SL and SL Remixte](/en/brand/cannondale/products/cycling/bikes/electric-bikes/c/1780?text=Quick), and the [Tesoro NEO and Remixte](/en/brand/cannondale/products/cycling/bikes/electric-bikes/c/1780?text=Tesoro)
- [Quick bikes](/en/brand/cannondale/products/cycling/bikes/urban-commuter-bikes/c/1529?text=Quick), perfect for getting from point A to B in the city
- [Quick CX](/en/product/6006-067/2020-Quick-CX-2-Bicycle) model with front suspension for riding a mix of bike paths and backroads
- [Bad Boy](/en/product/6006-081/2020-Bad-Boy-3-Bicycle), a good-looking commuter bike that handles responsively

> The [Quick Neo SL](/en/product/6006-104/2020-Quick-Neo-2-SL-E-Bicycle) is an e-bike that uses a hub motor, which is simpler, more compact and way lighter. It puts out 250 watts – nice for a little boost on the way to work or the coffee shop.
>


**Cannondale gravel bikes at MEC:**

- [Topstone](/en/brand/cannondale/products/cycling/bikes/c/854?text=Topstone) carbon and aluminum models for adventure, gravel riding and everything in between
- [CAAD Optimo 4 Bike](/en/product/6022-867/caad-optimo-4-bicycle?colour=Silver), which makes an excellent first cyclocross bike

> If you’re a dirt-loving roadie, check out the [Topstone Carbon 5](/en/product/6013-825/topstone-carbon-5-bicycle) to get off the beaten path.
>


**Cannondale mountain bikes at MEC****:**

- [Habit](/en/brand/cannondale/products/cycling/bikes/c/854?text=Habit) carbon and aluminum bikes for trail riding
- A selection of [Trail](/en/products/cycling/bikes/mountain-bikes/c/1527?filters%5Bbrand%5D%5B0%5D=cannondale) and [Tango](/en/brand/cannondale/products/cycling/bikes/mountain-bikes/c/1527?text=Tango) aluminum hardtail trail options (Trail is unisex, Tango is women’s)
- [Trail 5 bike](/en/product/6012-879/trail-5-bicycle) for the XC race crowd

> Our guess? [Habit aluminum bikes](/en/brand/cannondale/products/cycling/bikes/c/854?text=Habit) are going to be popular. They give you the technology you’d see on higher-end carbon bikes, but at a price that’s more accessible.
>


**Cannondale road bikes at MEC****:**

- [Synapse](/en/brand/cannondale/products/cycling/bikes/c/854?text=Synapse) carbon and aluminum models – a great value performance road bike
- [All performance and race road bikes](/en/products/c/100?filters%5Bbrand%5D%5B0%5D=Cannondale&filters%5Bcustom_fields.ideal%20for%5D%5B0%5D=performance%20and%20race%20road%20cycling) for high-performance road and racing bikes



**Kids’ bikes are also on the way:**

- [Trail Balance Bike](/en/products/cycling/bikes/kids-bikes/push-bikes/c/1530) for kids that are just starting out
- [Trail](/en/products/cycling/bikes/kids-bikes/c/1559?text=Cannondale+kids+trail) (12in., 20in., 24in.) with disc brakes and front suspension for hitting up the trail
- [Trail Single Speed 16in.](/en/product/6006-097/2020-Kids-Trail-Single-Speed-16%22-Bicycle) to keep things simple for new riders – it has one gear and coaster brakes
- [Cujo (20in., 24in.)](/en/products/cycling/bikes/kids-bikes/c/1559?text=Cujo), which gives them plus-sized tires in a young rider sized frame



#### Every bike brand has their own lingo. What are some things to know for Cannondale?
**Neo**: If you see Neo in the name, it’s an e-bike.

**All the numbers**: A number after a bike name tells you the level of componentry. Lower numbers, higher-end components. For example, we’re bringing in the Quick 2, 4 and 6 – and the 2 has the highest end components. The exception are kids’ bikes, where the numbers tell you how many inches the wheels are.

**Remixte**: Cannondale’s name for bikes with a step-through frame.

**Lefty**: Cannondale’s (in)famous left-hand only fork. The only bike we’re carrying with it is the Bad Boy 3 with a rigid Lefty. Oh – and a tiny version called the Little Lefty is on the kids’ balance bikes too.

**CAAD**: Cannondale has always been a leader in aluminum frame technology, and CAAD stands for Cannondale Advanced Aluminum Design.



## Related articles
- [Tips for buying a bike](/en/explore/how-to-buy-a-bike)
- [Best ways to lock up your bike](/en/explore/locking-your-bike)
- [Biking with kids](/en/explore/biking-with-kids)



To give you the scoop of what’s in the 2020 line-up, we’ve put together a mini guide to all things Cannondale with our MEC bike experts.

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