Activities

Community news

Gear

Skills and tips

Stories

Travel and places

Outdoor Tips, Tricks, Inspiration and Activities | MEC Blog

September is the time of year when you can sneak in some serious activity without the “ahhhh-gotta-do-it-all!” wild energy of summer. Weekend trips without crowds. Training for a 10K without sweating the minute you step outside. Riding to work and enjoying the quieter bike lanes.

To help you make the most of it all, here’s this gear we’re stoked on this week, including a pack our designer says “is the coolest stuff [he’s] ever made”:



## Wahoo Fitness Kickr Climb Indoor Trainer Grade Simulator


A grade simulator unlike any other, the Wahoo Kickr Climb Simulator raises the front of your bike to match the incline or your training routes. If you want to get better at riding hills, you have to ride hills, and that means changing your posture and grip to engage different muscles and use different pedalling techniques. Real-time grade changes allow for up to 20% inclines and 10% descent simulations.



This lightweight running jacket lets you cut through a headwind on lunchtime runs, but it really shines after dark. With an all-over reflective print, it makes sure you’re visible from all angles, giving you peace of mind when your long run keeps you out past dusk. Windproof and water-resistant nylon stands up to inclement weather, and it’s lightweight enough to stuff into your running pack or pocket once the wind drops.



The designer behind the Vapour Series says “this is the coolest stuff I’ve ever made.” Which is saying a lot, because he has designed some pretty sweet gear over the years.

- This pack is impressively lightweight, especially when you factor in that it’s made from burly nylon that’s completely waterproof (with fully taped seams, to boot).
- The internal divider keeps you organized while you’re travelling, and the padded back panel and shoulder straps keep you comfortable.
- A 15-inch laptop sleeve and dimensions approved by most airlines make it just right for going carry-on only on your next trip.



Don’t damage your pocket knife by using it on oysters – use the right tool for the right job. The Opinel Oyster Knife follows a design that has remained nearly unchanged since 1955. Included instructions show you the safest and most efficient way to extract oysters.



The closest thing to climbing barefoot, but better. Offering finger-like grabbing ability and designed for maximum toe sensitivity, the Furia S is ready to grip whatever you’re sending. An Integral Power Rib adds structure for precisions and adaptability, while the microsuede fabric supports your movement but doesn’t loosen over time.



## Merrell Sugarbush Braden Waterproof Boots


These boots have a premium leather upper with a waterproof liner to wick moisture away from your foot and keep puddles on the outside. Laces sit in metallic loops shaped to help you get the perfect snug fit for weekend wanders and treks to the market. The Vibram® sole is known for its long-wearing traction, so you know you’ll be together for the long game.



## Portland Design Works Gravity+ USB Tail Light


Does your bike have a brake light? It could. The Gravity+ from Portland Design Works has an internal accelerometer that triggers a bright red light as you brake or swerve, instantly letting those around you know to pay attention. Whether you’re riding in a pack, on a busy seawall or in traffic, an easy way to let those around you know when you’re slowing down or changing direction is a game changer.

- Besides the accelerometer-driven features, it has both a steady and a flashing red light mode.
- Steady 20 lumens (12 hours) and flashing 80 lumens (30 hours). Brake light shines 100 attention-getting lumens of red light.
- Easy USB charging means you can top up your battery nearly anywhere you go.



Gravity Tail Light by Portland Design Works

A stretchy, athletic mid-layer for striking out into the mountains or down the piste. Smooth, soft fleece slides easily under a shell jacket, and the cozy hood keeps your head warm when the wind picks up. Stretchy enough to move with you on long reaches or pre-dawn warmups, it has flatlock seams to prevent chafing during long days on the trail. Dries quickly so you can wear it again after lunch, tomorrow, the next day…



## Outside Inside Freestyle mini Disk Golf


Flex your Frolf skills almost anywhere with this compact disk golf kit. Includes: collapsible target, 6 mini-discs, instructions, and a carry bag.



## Pearl Izumi Elite Pursuit Thermal Long-sleeved Jersey


Grey days and dark winter mornings call for a bright thermal jersey. The Elite Pursuit’s warm thermal fleece keeps you comfortable while you warm up, then wicks moisture as you pick up the pace. Handy pockets hold a spare tube, a snack and your phone, and reflective details keep you visible on pre-dawn training rides.



## Related articles
- [What not to do when fall bike commuting](/en/article/what-not-to-do-when-fall-bike-commuting)
- [How to choose rock climbing shoes](/en/explore/choose-your-climbing-shoes)
- [What to pack in your carry-on capsule wardrobe](/en/article/what-to-pack-in-your-carry-on-travel-capsule-wardrobe)



“This is the coolest stuff I’ve ever made,” according to the designer of the pack on this week’s list. Along with that pack, check out gear to set you up for fun in fall (even if there’s a downpour on the radar).

What's new this week | MEC Blog

What’s new this week

Earlier sunsets and cooler mornings are slinking into our routines, which means it’s time to assess your current layering system and see if any upgrades are in order. Along with warmer layers, we’ve also got some handy reusable straws, a Suunto watch with crazy good battery life, and a whole new way to explore the water in this week’s edition of what’s new:

## MEC Mission Possible Top


Add a light layer of warmth to your winter running, Nordic skiing, snowshoeing or outdoor training. This versatile midlayer has a stripped-down design that makes it easy to pack, giving you something cozy to grab if the temperature drops earlier than you expected.



Plastic straws may be convenient, but they’re not great for our planet and its ocean life. This platinum silicone straw is flexible, durable and non-toxic, so you can feel better about your choices, one sip at a time.



With an aircraft aluminum V-ring belt buckle and burly webbing, the Last Chance light duty belt won’t let you – or your pants – down. Wide 38mm profile sits snugly in most belt loops.



Rugged denim ages gracefully, earning a broken-in look that money can’t buy. Snap front placket and cuffs mean no time wasted fussing with buttons. Good to know: Levi’s sources more than 17% of its cotton through the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI). The BCI is a not-for-profit association committed to a holistic approach to sustainable cotton production.



A hint of spandex means they won’t hold you back if you feel a high kick coming on. 5-pocket layout for all your day-to-day necessities.



Whether you’re racing an ultra or trying to beat your PB, Suunto’s 9 Baro has the power to be with you every step of the way.

- Battery life is 25 – 336h (up to 120h in activity tracking or GPS tracking mode).
- One key reason that Suunto is able to achieve these runtimes is its FusedTrack system. FusedTrack™ uses data from the internal sensors to plot your route between GPS points. By combining the data, you get a track that mirrors your actual track, while only checking into GPS once or twice a minute. All of that means a greatly increased battery life. Currently only works for running and trail running, with open water swimming in the works.
- Over 80 activity modes.
- Pre-set intelligent battery profiles change modes to get specific runtimes and features out of the remaining battery.



If you’re a planning a snorkelling trip or are aiming to progress to freediving, check out the masks, fins and floats from Omer or Sporasub.



When temperatures dip and snowflakes start to fall, these warm winter jacket help kids stay out longer. Fully taped seams ensure water won’t eventually work its way in.

- Waterproof-breathable and Primaloft Black Eco insulated construction for mixed-bag conditions.
- A powder skirt keeps snow on the outside when the drifts are thigh-deep.
- Soft fleece-lined collar and chin guard is comfortable, even when the jacket’s zipped all the way up.
- A helmet-compatible hood, secure zippered pockets, and a D-ring for a lift pass for winter days on the slopes.



## Helly Hansen Vertical Insulated Bib Pants


Every toboggan crew needs the right uniform. These insulated, waterproof bib pants are adjustable to last through a growth spurt or two before it’s time to hand them down. Reinforced seat, knees and legs stand up to the demands of snow day after snow day.



A warm jacket with a lot to hide – it’s secretly also a rain coat and a light down layer. Wear them separately in between seasons and together in the deepest parts of winter. The classic style is totally waterproof-breathable with a DWR finish and sealed seams – always welcome on cold November mornings when the streetcar’s running late.



A wearable field guide. Made of soft organically grown cotton, the Forest Flora tee lets you practice your plant identification skills in between hikes. For every product sold, United By Blue removes 1 pound of trash from the world’s oceans and waterways.



Stay sure-footed this fall and winter. The waterproof leather upper and sealed seams keep rain and puddles out. An insole made of memory foam means they’re as comfortable as they are nice-looping, and the slip-resistant outsole adds extra traction to your tracks.



## Related articles
- [All about clothing layers](/en/explore/clothing-layers)
- [How to prepare for a long trail run](/en/explore/how-to-prepare-for-a-long-trail-run)
- [How to choose a wetsuit ](/en/explore/how-to-choose-a-wetsuit)



Fresh picks for fall (yes, it’s coming), along with unique items for year-round activities.

What’s new this week | MEC Blog

*Planning some epics? We checked with MEC Ambassador [Joshua Lavigne](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3nCioSAoHcM) – who has committed his life to climbing – for his picks on the gear that hasn’t let him down. Here’s Joshua’s favourite mountain gear for alpine big wall climbing and alpine climbing, and why they made the list:*

## Therm-a-rest Neoair Xtherm Sleeping Pad


It’s expensive but it’s worth it. Lots of alpinists don’t like using air mattresses, but I’ve found that if you’re careful and make sure that you keep the mattress fully inflated, then you can sleep directly on rocky surfaces and it won’t breach. You don’t want this to fail when you’re out there.

I’ve stopped bringing sleeping bags on big climbs and only use a tarp and NeoAir mattress if it’s not going to be colder then -5°C. A hot water bottle on my belly, a tarp, a good spooning partner, ear plugs and some sleeping pills usually do the trick.



A great stove for melting water and cooking quickly. It doesn’t work well for simmering, so keep an eye on your soup so it doesn’t boil over.



I’ve found the Sterling rope to be a great lightweight rope for alpine missions. It’s a little skinny for granite big wall climbing, especially if you’re planning on jugging, but it’s proven to be light, supple and durable in most conditions.



The T3 hoodie has been my go-to winter and alpine climbing base layer for years. It’s the perfect combination of lightweight, durable and breathable. I love the long zipper and the snug hood.



Highpoint Pants are durable and stretchy climbing-oriented mountain pants. They have a slim fit and are very breathable. They have a no fuss minimalist design with a nicely constructed cargo pocket, a simple drawcord at the waist and eyelets on the ankle hem to add a cord to keep them tight over your boots. I find them a little light for winter climbing, but they’re great the rest of the year.



## Scarpa Phantom Tech Mountaineering boots


An incredible alpinist boot. Lightweight, technical and durable. The zipper is a little long and needs to be maintained, but I haven’t had any issues with many seasons on my boots.



This is great down sleeping bag with 800+ fill. It has a beautiful fabric that feels like being wrapped in a silk kimono, but it’s still water-resistant and durable. The Talon hasn’t just kept me warm, it’s saved me and my partner after becoming hypothermic in an Arctic rainstorm on Mount Asgard.



If lightening your load is critical to success, then these cams are the bee’s knees. They can cut 25% off a rack of cams and still offer the range of protection as the traditional BD Camalots. I’d suggest that the grey 0.4 has a fat stem that’s a little too big in some circumstances, but the rest are featherweight and robust.



Camalot™ Ultralight

These tools have been perfected over years of development and craftsmanship. The slim yet solid design is what separates these tools from the pack, but the weight and swing really deliver the goods on steep alpine ice and rock.



## Related articles
- [Gear I love: a Canadian climbing champ’s bouldering essentials](/en/article/gear-i-love-a-canadian-climbing-champs-bouldering-essentials)
- [Gear I love: one pro climber’s summer essentials](/en)
- [How to plan an expedition](/en/article/how-to-plan-an-expedition)



Been there, climbed that, and here’s the gear that helped make it happen. For big wall missions and alpine climbing.

Gear I love: Alpinist Joshua Lavigne’s gnarly gear picks | MEC Blog

Gear I love: Alpinist Joshua Lavigne’s gnarly gear picks

Climbers, runners, campers, cyclists and travellers: we’ve got something for all of you in this week’s edition of new products landing at MEC. One of the most exciting things to arrive? It’s for kayakers – and it’s the first-ever MEC recreational kayak. Get a closer look at all this outdoor-activity potential below.

## BioLite FirePit


There are some things you could just watch forever, and one of them is a campfire. This stainless steel portable firepit gives you a 360-degree view of the blaze through X-ray mesh side panels.

- Inside the pit, there’s a rechargeable battery-powered fan with 4 different flame settings.
- The fan is Bluetooth-compatible, which means you can control the intensity of your campfire from the palm of your hand or across the campsite.
- Thanks to 51 airjets that improve burning efficiency, this pit produces less smoke than a traditional fire.



There’s hand cream, and then there’s hand cream for climbers. Apply ClimbSkin an hour or two before your climb to let it start working its magic.



## Hoka Hupana Knit Jacquard Cross Training Shoes


Road running shoes with responsive midsoles that feel cushy but springy as you rack up the kilometres. The svelte knit upper is ultra-breathable and light, so it feels like an extension of your foot.



Snap these on and be visible. These clip-on magnetic reflectors are easy to use on any piece of clothing – great for cyclists, dog walkers or runners.



Fantastic for travelling. Made from streamlined nylon, it’s light enough to carry all day but also durable enough to survive jostling under your train seat or close encounters while sightseeing. What’s more, the whole thing packs away neatly into its own pocket to make for fast storing or packing into your checked bag.



The first-ever recreational kayak from MEC! This super-stable Rover Kayak is a comfortable, easy-to-manage boat that’s great for exploring the shoreline near your cottage or getting in a little cross-training on the weekend.

- A wide, flat hull helps it hold steady as you paddle about, and a sharp bow entry line lets it track well for such a short kayak.
- Durable shell stands up to lots of launches from the beach or dock
- Watertight compartment lets you pack lunch with confidence, knowing your treats won’t wind up waterlogged.



A slim seat bag to hold a spare tube and CO2 inflator. It expands with a quick zip when you need to cram in gloves, a helmet liner or arm warmers.



Show what you’re about – wild places, mountains, road trips – with these new graphics on classic tees. As always, the shirts are made of soft, organically grown cotton, are Fair-Trade Certified, and are Bluesign®-approved fabric.



Soft and lightweight fabric to keep you comfortable when you’re running errands or exploring the next town over. Plus, pockets! Made of naturally wicking and odour-controlling Tencel sourced from responsibly forested eucalyptus trees.



## Related articles
- [All about kayaks](/en/explore/about-kayaks)
- [What to pack in your carry-on travel capsule wardrobe](/en/article/what-to-pack-in-your-carry-on-travel-capsule-wardrobe)
- [What’s new this week: last week’s edition](/en/article/whats-new-this-week-10)



A first-ever product for MEC is part of this week’s list, along with new items to make your climbing, running, camping, biking and travelling summer keep getting better.

It’s rad to hear about all the summer adventures members are getting up to, from quick-hit weekend getaways to long trips where you finally settle into a vacation groove with morning coffee on day 5.

To set you up for good times, the latest batch of new gear to land at MEC includes some excellent travel items, a headlamp that you can use as a bike light, easy to pull on kids’ Blundstones, the redesigned MEC Uplink Jacket and lots more.

## Ecco Soft 7 Sneaker


Classic lace-ups are elevated by a rich, dark leather upper to carry you through from morning commute to happy-hour tacos. A surprisingly lightweight chunky rubber sole stands up to the daily grind.



Why carry your bulky winter coat on fickle-weather days or weekend getaways? This lightweight insulated jacket packs up into its own pocket for deployable protection whenever you need it – or to become a pillow on long flights or overnight train rides.



No rope left behind. The Escaper lets you rappel a full rope length and then release the rope from the anchor, making it a solid backup in case your rap line becomes lost, stuck or damaged. Loop it through the anchor and back through itself, attach it to one end of your rope to create a strong hold, then descend normally. Once you’re at the bottom, tug it free.



## Portland Design Works Pathfinder Headlight


The Pathfinder has a custom reflector that focuses light down into your riding line where you need it most. Light above the riding line helps keep you visible, but it also wastes power and dazzles those around you.

- Custom-engineered reflector focuses up to 200 lumens down to your riding line.
- To make sure you don’t drop off anyone’s radar, 2 surface-mounted LEDs flash brightly.
- Easy USB charging means you can top up your battery nearly anywhere you go.
- Weatherproof housing means if you’re willing to ride in it, the Pathfinder will light your way.



This full-sized backpack is ready to trek through Thailand and converts to a suitcase for checking into respectable hotels when you’re tired of roughing it. Once you’ve checked in to your temporary home, grab the integrated fully featured daypack and go explore the area.

- Panel covers the shoulder straps and hipbelt to safely check it for a flight. Panel stows when not in use.
- Large zippers let you access the main compartment and an integrated spill gate keeps your gear from falling out when you unzip.
- Integrated rain cover keeps your belongings dry.



## Garmin Vector 3 Pedals Dual-Sensing Power Meter


This dual-sided power-meter provides plenty of cycling dynamics data including left/right balance, time spent in and out of the saddle, power phase analysis as well as platform offset centre, which measures where you’re applying force in relation to the centre of the pedal. With an industry-leading 1% accuracy and measurements taken at the pedals, you can confidently say that every watt it picks up was produced by you.



Sandbagged by an abrupt change in the weather? Whip this super-light technical jacket out of your pack or unclip it from your harness and slide it on. The close cut and elastic quilting underarm and back panels keep the outline lean and eliminate air spaces. Thermolilte synthetic insulation retains warmth when wet.



These pint-sized versions of the iconic Australian slip-on boot have nifty grab loops that make them easy to pull on. An extra footbed helps it fit growing feet through a growth spurt or two.



The Snap is fully dimmable, allowing you to choose how much light you need from 0–200 lumens. The modular housing lets you take the light off its strap and snap its magnetic base to nearly any metal surface for broad area lighting. Extra included mounts let you easily attach your light to your bike’s handlebars, or anywhere you would hook a carabiner.



In case you stumble across a farmers market or interesting pop-up shop, be prepared with this 13L bag. The Travel Light Tote Pack folds up into its interior pocket, making it easy to toss into your purse, pannier or suitcase. Carry it like a tote bag or deploy the hidden backpack straps for heavier loads.



The vívoactive 3 Music stores up to 500 of your favourite songs and plays them over Bluetooth so there are no cords to get in your way. Plus it has the latest-generation Elevate optical heart-rate monitor to read your pulse information straight off your wrist. Some other highlights:

- GPS and an internal accelerometer track training metrics like speed and distance information, turning your movement into data.
- Internet Live Tracking during activities (through a connected smartphone) allows you to share your location and heartrate with friends, family or coaches.
- Follow daily highs and lows by tracking stressors (monitoring your heart-rate variability). When stress levels are high, a relaxation timer walks you through steps to reduce them.
- Built-in activity modes for biking, running, walking, swimming (indoor only), strength training (with rep counter), and more.



A soft and timeless layer that keeps your neck toasty. The soft organic cotton blend has just hint of spandex for an easy stretch.



## Related articles
- [Travel checklist](/en/explore/travel-checklist)
- [The ultimate travel pants](/en/article/the-ultimate-travel-pants)
- [How to choose bike lights](/en/explore/choose-bike-lights)



Have a trip coming up? Travel’s a big part of this week’s latest, along with a headlamp that you can use as a bike light, kids’ Blundstones, the redesigned MEC Uplink Jacket and more.

What's new this week

*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/chalk-and-chalk-bags/c/954) 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](/en/product/5014-104/chunks-chalk-170g-bag?colour=NO_COLOUR) 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.

*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

This website uses cookies

MEC Blog

What’s new this week

What’s new this week

Gear I love: Alpinist Joshua Lavigne’s gnarly gear picks

What’s new this week

What's new this week

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

What's new this week

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