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Outdoor Tips, Tricks, Inspiration and Activities | MEC Blog

As an avid filmmaker and photographer with 30 years of experience behind the lens, Dudley has worked with everything from grizzly bears and sequoia trees to water quality scientists and cowboys. Along the way, he’s written a few books as well, including *Black and Brown Faces in America’s Wild Places* and *What’s That Wildflower? A Beginner’s Guide to Wildflowers*.

Check out Dudley’s tips to capture better photos when you’re outside, no matter what kind of camera you have:****

## Feel the photo
I’m always mindful of the need to have an emotional response to some of the images I’m taking. If I feel nothing when I click the shutter, I can’t really expect the viewer to feel anything either. Photos that feature inclement weather are a strong one… snow storms, raging rain storms on water… there is natural power in those events, and I try to capture that.



## Be prepared to get very dirty
Where public land regulations allow, I like to go where the animals go, sometimes even following wild game trails. I like immersive perspectives. Sometimes that means rolling in the dirt, laying on my belly, or being knee deep in a river. Embrace the space, and be prepared to see better photos.



## Have patience
Slow down your body and mind, and tune into nature on nature’s time. When you’re out there, listen and look closely. That’s when the great photos start. You’ll notice the way light falls on things, textures of plants, smaller insects, shapes, and natural patterns. For me it’s all so therapeutic. Going birding, sitting by the water, or on a slow hike in the woods are good ways to practice patience. They force you to slow down and be present.



## A camera is a camera
A camera is nothing more than a tool to show others how *you* see the world around you. Don’t think you have to buy the latest mirrorless camera and expensive lenses. If you do, be prepared to sell your photos to pay off that gear. Seriously, though, the best camera is the one you have at the time. For many of us, that’s a phone.



## Gear recommendations
Over my three decades of shooting, I’ve used just about every camera manufacturer out there. In 2016, I switched from Canon to Sony. I think Sony is leading the way with their mirrorless cameras. For stills, I shoot the Sony A7 III. For video, I shoot the Sony FX6 cinema camera. I prefer Sony glass but would have no problem picking up Sigma or Tamron glass.



## Don’t look through the lens
Sometimes I don’t look through the lens when I click the shutter. I learned this when I was an embedded photographer. I had a 15–30mm lens I later called “The Magic Lens.” I would set it around 15 to 20mm, hold it in front of me, and click the shutter. It didn’t matter how high or low I held it. I’d click the shutter and preview the shot. It was a way to surprise myself.



## Bonus tip: Getting started with photography
The easiest way to get into photography is to spend time photographing things you love or are passionate about. Your skills will improve much faster that way. I got into nature photography by way of birds because I’m an avid birder. You could use your phone, an old flea market film camera, or whatever you can find that fits your budget.



## Related articles
- [10 tips to stay active outside, even when it’s cold and wet](/en/article/tips-to-stay-active-outside-even-when-its-cold-and-wet)
- [How to choose and fit a backpack](/en/explore/choose-and-fit-a-backpack)
- [How to wash waterproof jackets and pants](/en/explore/caring-for-a-waterproof-jacket)



Advice that works, no matter what kind of camera you have. Learn from pro photographer Dudley Edmondson, who loves all things natural and wild.

7 tips on how to take better outdoor photos

Anyone entering the backcountry this winter – whether on skis, snowshoes, splitboard or even snow machine – bears a responsibility to stay up to date on rescue skills and equipment. Newcomers: don’t be intimidated by the unfamiliar skills and equipment. Likewise, veterans – you should continually refresh your knowledge by taking courses and practicing rusty skills.

Here are five essentials everyone should consider before launching on the first backcountry (or slackcountry) mission of the year:



5 essentials to know before you head into the backcountry

## 1. Take a training course
This is absolutely essential. At a minimum, everyone in your group must have completed the [AST 1](https://avalanche.ca/training#ast1) (Avalanche Safety Training) from [Avalanche Canada](https://avalanche.ca/training). They should also be refreshing those skills annually. These courses teach a systematic approach to identifying and selecting terrain, based on the forecast, and provide the foundation for managing avalanche risk.

## 2. Get the essential gear
Everyone must carry – and know how to use – a [transceiver](/en/products/snow/avalanche-safety-gear/avalanche-beacons-transceivers/c/2086), [shovel](/en/products/snow/avalanche-safety-gear/avalanche-shovels-saws/c/2082) and [probe](/en/products/snow/avalanche-safety-gear/avalanche-probe/c/2083).

Plenty of other important items will be found in a well-provisioned backpack, including water, food, first aid, extra insulating jacket and communication equipment… but transceiver, shovel and probe form the foundation of rescue.

Note: it is vital that everyone has a modern, three-antennae digital transceiver. Single-antenna (or analogue) transceivers are obsolete and dangerous. Despite the expense required to upgrade, it’s a must.

## 3. Practice, practice, practice
Owning rescue gear is not enough, you must also know how to use it – without hesitation. Practice is essential. Practice shovelling. (There is a skill and method to digging deep, fast.) Practice probing. (Can you differentiate between a rock and a pack buried below the snow?) Most critically, practice transceiver searches again and again – with one buried unit, two, or even three – until the search protocol becomes second nature.

## 4. Assembling a team
Who you chose to travel in the backcountry with has a profound influence on safety. So don’t leave this up to the random chance of a late night phone call. The AST course explores human factors that can affect a group’s ability to make good decisions, such as things ranging from complacency in familiar terrain to competition for first tracks. Ultimately, good communication, patience and discipline are keys.

## 5. Game day preparation
Before you set out, everyone in the group should be familiar with the avalanche forecast. Are objectives, alternatives, and turn-around points clear? Has someone been made aware of your plans, alternatives, and when you expect to be back?

Travel in the backcountry offers magnificent rewards, but also comes with significant responsibilities.  This shouldn’t dissuade or prevent you from exploring winter’s wonders though. By adopting the systematic approach taught in Avalanche Canada’s AST courses, and traveling with communicative, patient and disciplined groups, such hazards can be effectively managed.

## Bruce’s backcountry gear picks


- [**Salomon QST 92 Skis**](/en/product/6010-964/2020-QST-92-Skis): My slackcountry secret weapon. Floaty enough for pow, yet narrow and firm enough to carve train tracks down a groomer. Lightweight, lots of pop and an all-round fun ski for just about any condition.

- [**G3 Ion 12 Bindings**](/en/product/5054-738/Ion-12-Binding-With-Brakes): The last thing I want is for a binding to pop when I open the turns up. The Ion 12 is light enough to be a perfect tour binding, and burly enough to crank up the DIN.

- [**Black Diamond Expedition Poles**](/en/product/6003-496/Expedition-3-Poles): I’ve used a pair of BD Expedition Poles for 20 years, and despite my flailing and thrashing, they’ve never bent or jammed. I’d trust them anywhere.

- [**G3 Alpinist Skins**](/en/brand/g3/products/snow/backcountry-skiing/climbing-skins/ski-skins/c/2300): Grippy, lightweight, easy to get on and off – what’s not to like?

- [**MEC Ferrata Pants**](/en/brand/mec/ideal-for/backcountry-skiing/products/clothing/bottoms/pants/c/1005?text=Ferrata&org_text=Ferrata): I’ve been a fan of the Ferrata Pant for 25 years. My original pair are held together with thread, floss and duct tape. So I bought a new pair last winter, and nothing has changed – they’re still the perfect mix of breathability and snow shedding for backcountry travel.

- [**MEC Synergy Jacket**](/en/brand/mec/products/snow/ski-clothes/ski-board-jackets/c/1027?text=Synergy): I like having the confidence that no matter how bad conditions get, I can batten down the hatches and stay comfortable. The Synergy has been my go-to shelter in foul conditions for years.



## Related articles
- [Ski touring checklist](/en/article/ski-touring-checklist)
- [Avalanche safety gear and training](/en/explore/avalanche-safety-gear-and-training)
- [How to start snowshoeing](/en/explore/how-to-start-snowshoeing)



Practical tips and helpful basics from outdoor expert Bruce Kirkby.

This winter, many people are expecting the backcountry’s wide-open spaces to be more popular than ever – but they’ll also be a little different due to COVID-19.

To help you plan ski days and hut trips, we chatted with [Avalanche Canada](https://www.avalanche.ca/) and [The Alpine Club of Canada](https://www.alpineclubofcanada.ca/web/) to find out what’s changing. Learn about avy safety, hut bookings, and other helpful info for new or experienced backcountry users from our long-time community partners:

## What’s your advice for people heading into the backcountry this year?
**Avalanche Canada (AC)**: Get the gear, get the training, get the forecast. You don’t need to travel into avalanche terrain to get into the backcountry, but if you choose to, be prepared.

Before you head into avalanche terrain, check your regional forecast so you can plan a safe route. Every person should carry essential avalanche safety gear ([transceiver](/en/products/snow/avalanche-safety-gear/avalanche-beacons-transceivers/c/2086), [probe](/en/products/snow/avalanche-safety-gear/avalanche-probe/c/2083) and [shovel](/en/products/snow/avalanche-safety-gear/avalanche-shovels-saws/c/2082)). It’s important that everyone also knows how to use this equipment and practices often.

This year, we’ve launched have a new online tutorial called [**Avy Savvy**](https://avysavvy.avalanche.ca/). It’s an introduction to avalanches and how to stay safe in avalanche terrain, with lots of fun and interactive learning tools.

## Will forecasting change due to the impacts of COVID?
**AC**: Avalanche Canada’s regional forecasts rely on data coming in from a variety of sources. One of the most important is InfoEx, a subscription service for professional avalanche operations in Canada. The information provided by these operations is an essential part of our forecasting data; should it be disrupted by heli and cat skiing operations remaining closed this season, our forecasts may be affected.

We’ll know more as fall progresses and we’ll adapt as necessary, but this does mean that the information you share in your [Mountain Information Network reports](https://www.avalanche.ca/mountain-information-network) will be more important than ever this winter.



## Are there any changes to avalanche safety training courses?
**AC**: COVID affects the way Avalanche Canada Training courses will operate. We’re working hard to help our providers make the changes they need to offer courses safely during the pandemic, such as moving the classroom portion of the courses online.

It’s really important that people are able to access Avalanche Canada Training this season, as we’re expecting more new backcountry users than usual. If you’ve never taken an Avalanche Canada Training course, we recommend taking one before travelling into avalanche terrain.

> Avalanche Canada tip: If you’ve already taken a course, refresh your skills with a companion rescue skills course. [Rescue at Cherry Bowl](https://www.avalanche.ca/cherry-bowl/#/intro) is a good reminder of how strong rescue skills can save lives.
>


## Anything special for snowshoers to know?
**AC**: You can get to great places on snowshoes, including lots that don’t enter avalanche terrain. For the first steps on learning what avalanche terrain looks like and how to avoid it, visit [avalanche.ca/start-here](https://avalanche.ca/start-here)

If you’re not prepared to perform a companion rescue, choose a route that stays away from avalanche terrain, including hazards above the trail you’re on. If you choose to venture into avalanche terrain, then carry a transceiver, probe, and shovel, and know how to use them. And take a course through the Avalanche Canada Training program. A two-day Avalanche Skills Training is a great start. Find out more at [avalanche.ca/learn](https://avalanche.ca/learn).



## What should people expect if they want to book an ACC hut this winter?
**Alpine Club of Canada (ACC)**: There are a few changes to keep everyone safer during the pandemic:

- **New reservation model**: Instead of booking by the bed, you now book the whole hut. The ACC took a hard look at our previous shared accommodation model and decided it didn’t fit with what people want during a pandemic. There’s still a strong desire to recreate in the backcountry, but much less interest in spending time in a shared space with strangers. Now guests can create their own groups and control who they’ll be with at the hut, and in some cases, the entire mountain area.

- **Set number of nights**: Hut bookings are now set rather than open-ended. You can book for a 2-night stay mid-week (Tuesday and Wednesday nights), a 3-night stay on weekends (Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights) or combine them for a 6-night stay. Huts are vacant on Monday and Thursday nights for cleaning and custodian checks.

- **Online booking**: Rather than calling our office to see if there’s space in a hut, you can now [track hut availability online](https://www.alpineclubofcanada.ca/web/ACCMember/Huts/Booking_Huts_Info/Hut_Availability_Winter_2021/ACCMember/Huts/Availability_Search_FW2021.aspx). If a date is available, guests complete an online form and our staff will call for confirmation and payment. There’s a pre-screening questionnaire for everyone in a hut party, and we ask for contact information for possible contact tracing.



## How is the ACC keeping huts clean and safe?
**ACC**: In addition to the exclusive booking model, we also made changes to the huts themselves, such as:

- Reduced capacities
- Removed extraneous stuff to make sanitizing much easier
- Replaced fabric bench covers with more wipeable surfaces
- Added abundant cleaning supplies and hand-sani stations

ACC hut custodians will be in the huts periodically on the off-days to conduct general maintenance, restock cleaning supplies and do the occasional deep clean. At all of our huts, guests are expected to do their own sanitizing on arrival and when leaving – this is taking responsibility for your own safety as well as looking out for the safety and well-being of others.

> ACC tip: The number one item for comfort in winter? [Hut booties](/en/product/5055-859/Hut-Booties). Other luxuries are cozy layers and a good book.
>


## What’s your advice for someone planning a hut trip?
**ACC**: Do your research before booking. It’s nice to want to replicate a photo on Instagram, but it’s much more important to make sure that you understand what’s required to get to that place safely. Proper research includes an honest assessment of whether a trip is appropriate for your group and whether you have the equipment, knowledge, experience and fitness to do it safely.

On the other hand, there are many more beautiful places to be explored than could be fit into one season, or perhaps even a lifetime. The ACC operates [33 backcountry huts](https://www.alpineclubofcanada.ca/web/ACCMember/Huts/Home.aspx) and researching lesser-known destinations often leads to the grandest adventures.

*Avalanche Canada and The Alpine Club of Canada are some of*[*MEC’s community partners*](/en/explore/partnerships)*. We support them with funding to help with programs like backcountry huts and avalanche skills training.*

*Top photo:**Approaching the Stanley Mitchell Hut in the Little Yoho Valley. Credit: Pebbleshoo.com*



## Related articles
- [All about avalanche safety gear and training](/en/explore/avalanche-safety-gear-and-training)
- [Backcountry ski touring checklist](/en/article/ski-touring-checklist)
- [Snowshoeing tips for beginners](/en/explore/how-to-start-snowshoeing)



Touring plans? Find out what’s new for hut trips and avalanche safety during COVID-19.

Advice from Avalanche Canada and the Alpine Club of Canada

Remember summer? When you rode your bike in the sun and watched sunsets from your campsite at 9pm? Keep that dream going by adapting your outdoor activities and staying stoked for the outdoors all year long.

Here’s our advice on getting outside in fall and winter:

## 1. Sort your stuff out early
If there’s cold-weather gear you’ve been thinking about – [snowshoes](/en/products/snow/snowshoeing/snowshoes/c/2118), [bike lights](/en/products/cycling/bike-accessories-and-add-ons/bike-lights/c/1298), a really good [rain jacket](/en/products/clothing/jackets/rain-jackets/c/1025) – pick it up *now*. In summer 2020, the Great Bike Boom left late bike shoppers scrambling across North America. Now’s the best time to find the size, colour and models you need for any fall or winter gear.

## 2. Stay fit on the trails
Need room to run? Trail running gets your heart pumping with a healthy dose of nature. Yes, there might be puddles. Yes, there’s a high likelihood of mud. Yes, treating yourself to a coffee and donut after soaking-wet run will be the highlight of your weekend. Pick up some grippy shoes and dark-coloured socks, and [learn beginner trail running tips](/en/explore/trail-running-beginners-guide) to dive in.



## 3. Assess your layering system
It’s time to break out the fuzzy fleece, base layers and shells. Learn [how to create a good layering system](/en/explore/clothing-layers), especially when you’re heating up from activity, then cooling down when you stop. If you have a jacket you love, give it some TLC; learn [how to re-waterproof your jacket](/en/explore/caring-for-a-waterproof-jacket). Don’t forget the kids – it’s [Toaster Suit](/en/products/kids/c/1900?f=CFSeasonalCollections%3AMEC+toaster+collection) season.



## 4. Don’t forget about your feet
For everyone who hates cold, wet feet – which we’re assuming is everyone – dig through your closet to see if last year’s winter boots are still good or if it’s time to upgrade. Another hot tip: traction devices are awesome to keep moving, even when trails and sidewalks are sheets of ice.



## 5. Become an all-weather rider
Don’t let twilight, rain or frost slow your roll. With fenders, bike lights, wet-weather cycling clothes, and a good pair of gloves (trust us), you can keep biking well past summer. The truly dedicated even use studded tires for icy, snowy routes. Of course, indoor bike trainers are totally an option to rack up kilometres in your own Tour de Living Room.



## 6. Go nuts for fall leaves and spring flowers
Pop on a toque and prepare to snap a hundred photos. Bursts of fall colour are motivation to hike to golden larches, orange sugar maples, and bright red oaks. Ontario Parks even has a whole [fall colours peak viewing map](https://www.ontarioparks.com/fallcolour), so if one spot seems busy, there are lots more to choose from. In spring, a bike ride that takes in your local blossom trees is a guaranteed mood lifter.

## 7. Be a beacon of brightness
Stay safe and laugh in the face of 4pm sunsets. A headlamp makes you visible to traffic on snowy neighbourhood walks, lights the way on trails at dusk, and keeps your hands free to hold an umbrella and your dog’s leash at the same time.



## 8. Three…two… one… dropping
COVID-19 has changed the way ski hills operate. Don’t be caught off-guard when you head to the slopes. Research what reservations systems are in place, and sign up for avalanche training courses if you’re planning to escape lift lines for the backcountry.

Also essential: ski flicks. Tons of trailers are now out, and this year’s [Banff Mountain Film Fest](https://www.banffcentre.ca/online-festival) is completely online and guaranteed to build outdoor stoke.

## 9. Is snowshoeing the new biking?
Many Canadians re-discovered cycling, camping and hiking over the summer. So what’s hot this winter? Snowshoeing. It’s family-friendly, a great way to get fresh air, and opens up new scenery. Read our [beginner’s guide to snowshoeing](/en/explore/how-to-start-snowshoeing) to get started, and look into local snowshoe areas to see if there are any special COVID-19 guidelines to know about.



## 10. Set the mood for the season
Find tracks to play on the way to or from the trailhead. Download a Spotify playlist: the [Fall Trail playlist](https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5hEuoE6yhqa2sHJ3R8InPn?si=oTUXIxVWRN6fY-H-A4G7iQ) or [Soulful tracks to put on after a day playing in the snow.](https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5A8JTtS9er86sJXSimRVZX?si=67NmFblqSJOicmEa53m-sg) Follow MEC to be the first to hear about the next round of playlists dropping throughout the season.

Keep warm, stay safe, and we’ll see you out there.



## Related articles
- [How to choose a headlamp](/en/explore/how-to-choose-a-headlamp)
- [How to choose base layers](/en/explore/how-to-choose-base-layers)
- [How to clean and waterproof hiking boots](/en/explore/how-to-clean-and-waterproof-hiking-boots)





New seasons, fresh challenges. Advice on getting outside in fall and winter for 2020.

10 tips to stay active outside, even when it’s cold and wetide, even when it’s cold and wet

10 tips to stay active outside, even when it’s cold and wet

[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

Calling everyone who loves camping! Between May 11–18, join us for The Big Camp In: a chance to transform your living rooms, balconies and backyards into the ultimate camp set-ups from coast to coast. Break out your tents, unroll your sleeping bags and enter our Big Camp In Contest for a chance to win a full set of camping gear from MEC.

To get you jazzed on camping season (even if it looks a little different at the moment), we’ve put together inspiration and ideas to recreate all our favourite parts of camping at home, from the campfire and bird songs to camp coffee and connecting with nature. Happy camp-in!



## Get a campfire going
The crackling sound of a campfire is an essential part of any night outside. Most of us don’t have access to a firepit at home, so we want to help you set the scene for a cozy night in your tent – string up some twinkle lights to substitute for a starry sky, and just press play:



Fire by the lake

## Brew up camp coffee
A camp morning is incomplete without a cup of joe – there’s something special about the ritual of it all. Whether you’re an [Aeropress](/en/brand/aeropress/products/camping-and-hiking/kitchen-and-hydration/coffee-makers-and-kettles/espresso-makers/c/1781) master or prefer a French press mix-up, there are lots of ways you can get a dose of caffeine:



Who knew coffee + hot water could be so complex? Check out our blog post about [a coffee addict’s guide to camp coffee](/en/article/a-coffee-addicts-guide-to-camp-coffee) for a full spectrum of brewing potential, whether you’re camping in your backyard or living room. Sip and soak in the moment.

## Tune into a camping soundtrack
One of the first things we notice when we get into nature is just how quiet it is. No horns honking or trucks beeping – just the wind in the trees and the people you’re with.

An informal poll of our virtual MEC staffers revealed a split in camp soundtracks. Some loved sitting around the campfire singing songs and others rather playing games and listening to their favourite playlists. Others just wanted to tune into mother nature to hear rivers flowing and crickets humming.

Whatever music mood you’re in – nature sounds or campfire tunes – we’ve got the playlist for you on the [MEC Spotify account](https://open.spotify.com/user/d1wktmvdtzsnx9kdkzg1er88t).



## Create an epic camp meal
A backyard or at-home campout means you get to go deluxe with camp meals. Forget the instant noodles – this is your chance to bust out a delectable veggie curry with toasted naan bread (or whatever recipe you dream up). If you’re indoors for a living room campout, break out your cast iron pan to use in the oven. If you’re outdoors in the backyard, dig out your Jetboil or camp stove (heads up: camp stoves are outdoor products only, so don’t fire them up inside).

To get you inspired, check out our blog post on [camping meal ideas with a twist](/en/article/camping-meal-ideas-with-a-twist), browse a [camping cookbook](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/kitchen-and-hydration/cookbooks/c/925), or try this unique camp recipe by Vancouver chef [Shaun Maclean](https://www.instagram.com/macleanshaun/):



### Camp veggie shabu-shabu hotpot recipe
Simple yet delicious. This Japanese style hotpot would traditionally use dashi broth, but we’ve simplified it to be camp friendly. Serves two. Enjoy!

**Ingredients**

*F**lavouring mix*

- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 pack miso soup mix

*Broth and veggies*

- 1L mushroom broth
- Shiitake mushrooms, destemmed and cut in half
- Carrots, thinly sliced rounds
- Sweet potato, thinly sliced
- Radishes, cut in half
- Napa cabbage, cut into eight
- Yau choy (or other similar green veggie), cut in half lengthwise
- Green onions, cut in 2in. lengths, and split the bottom white portion down the middle
- Tofu, cut in 1in. cubes (spicy marinated tofu is Shaun’s personal favourite)
- Cilantro leaves
- Rice noodles, pre-cooked, cooled and tossed in a bit of oil to prevent sticking

**Instructions**

1. Set up your camp stove on a safe, stable surface you can sit around. Make sure to use a stove that’s sturdy and won’t tip over – a flat [car camping stove](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/kitchen-and-hydration/stoves-fuel-and-fire/camp-stoves-and-ovens/car-camping-stoves/c/1281) is a good option.
1. Turn your stove on medium, place a large pot with broth on top. Allow broth to come to a simmer, then turn down to medium low to keep broth at a low simmer.
1. Add flavouring mix. Once its dissolved, get your veggies and tofu ready, but don’t toss them all in.
1. With hotpot, you eat the vegetables as you cook them – sort of like a soup fondue. Vegetables will cook at different speeds, so add the hearty ones first (sweet potato, carrots, radishes) and cook for 4–5 minutes. Add the delicate greens later, since they’ll only take a minute or two. Cook in waves as you eat – it means nothing gets overcooked.
1. Once all the veggies are cooked and eaten, add the rice noodles to the leftover broth, heat fully, and split as a final course.

**Recipe extras**

For a meat-based version, use beef broth and add thinly sliced meat or dumplings. Asian supermarkets often have frozen pre-sliced meats that only need about a minute of cook time in the broth. Dumplings usually only take 4–5 minutes to cook.

Play around with different types of vegetables. Root vegetables do particularly well, as they soak up flavours of the broth. Try taro or lotus root, yams, squash, leeks, broccoli to see what you like.

Like spice? Add chili paste or diced chilies – especially nice in cold weather.



## Find ways to connect with nature
One of the best parts of camping is waking up in the morning, opening your tent and taking a minute to appreciate the epic view… which is bit tougher to do when you’re camping next to your couch or back door. An at-home campout presents an interesting opportunity to notice the nature is around you – birds outside your window, moss on the trees, bugs in the grass.

MEC Ambassador and artist Charlie Easton ([@charlieeaston](https://www.instagram.com/charlieeaston/?hl=en)) believes the small things in nature tell the most memorable stories, and ultimately inspires his art. A challenge from Charlie? “Slow down and notice,” he says. “Notice the reflection in a puddle or the way a cloud dances from your window. No matter where you are, if you take time to notice you’ll have a more profound memory of that moment and feel more connected to nature.”

**Charlie Easton’s nature connection challenge:**

- Look out your window or go to your backyard.
- Pick something big like a tree, the garden or the sky.
- Notice the small things – focus in on something you didn’t originally see. Maybe it’s a shadow or the leaves of your favourite flower. Notice the things you find beautiful and inspiring.
- Jot it down, draw it, appreciate it.



The Big Camp In - Charlie Easton, Connecting to Nature

## Play some camp games
Have some fun! Card games, nature scavenger hunts and tossing a frisbee are all classics. Check out our [camp games collection](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/games/c/1225) for more ideas for your camp in. Some of your usual games might not be easy to do when you’re camping in your backyard or living room, so now’s the time to try something new. Here’s an idea for a no-supplies-needed game to get you, your family, and everyone in your Zoom camp chat moving:

### How to play Action Syllables
A simple, fun game to get everyone up and moving:

- Ask each camper to choose an action/move for every syllable of their name. For example, Sarah has two syllables in her name, so she pats her head for one syllable and spins around for the second syllable.
- After the second camper does their name, the whole group repeats and does Sarah’s moves again.
- The actions keep building as you take turns, and next thing you know, you and your fellow campers have a new dance routine!



## Create camp memories, even if you’re apart
Even if your favourite camping crew is far away, you can still spend quality time and make memories during a camp-in. Some ideas to connect with friends and family during your camp-in:

- **Video slide show**: Video call a camping buddy to re-hash favourite outdoor memories together. If you’ve got photos, you can even do a little video slide show from your living room tent.
- **Plan for real life trips**: Call or Zoom a friend from the comfort of your backyard tent to map out a future trip. All you need are guidebooks, maps and an open mind.
- **Unplug**: Ditch technology for a night (there’s no wifi when you’re camping, remember?) and be in the moment. If you’re solo, journal, draw or read. If you’re with your family, partner or roommate, play games, invent camping s’more recipes or scope out the stars.

Whether you’re in your living room or backyard, grab your hut booties, set up your tent and get ready the most outdoorsy night in yet.



*Joining The Big Camp in from BC? The BCCDC Foundation for Public Health (a charitable partner to the BC Centre for Disease Control) is hosting a BC Stay -t-Home Campout on May 16 with a $5 “camping fee” donation to the fund. If you’re interested, check out their [stay-at-home campout site](https://bccdcfoundation.org/bc-stay-at-home-campout/).*



Join us for The Big Camp In with these tips to set the camp scene in your living room or backyard.

How to create the ultimate campout at home

We’re here because we all lead active outdoor lives. Now’s the time to work together to learn new ways of being outside when and where we can.

While [Health Canada](https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/prevention-risks.html) is telling Canadians to stay at home as much as possible, they also say you can “go outside to exercise but stay close to home.” So how do you move outdoors in a safe way? We connected with Dr. George Farjou, Infectious Disease Specialist in Ontario, for tips on how get outside safely during COVID-19.

“Exercise supports both your mental and physical health,” says Dr. George Farjou. “We could be on physical distancing measures for many weeks, perhaps months, before they’re relaxed, so we cannot wait until we get back to our ‘normal’ everyday lives to do the activities that keep us healthy in body and soul.”

***Important note****: Always listen to the most recent advice of your local health authority, as things are changing fast. These outdoor tips apply if you: don’t have symptoms of COVID-19, have not been diagnosed with COVID-19, have not travelled outside of Canada in the past 14 days, or are not in a high-risk group (*[*see Health Canada for details*](https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/prevention-risks.html#p)*).*

## Keep your distance
When you’re outside, you should be practicing [physical distancing](https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/diseases-conditions/social-distancing.html) (a.k.a. social distancing). Keep a distance of at least 2 metres away from others when you’re in public). “Exercising in crowded areas is not a safe way to be active right now,” says Dr. Farjou. Some outdoorsy ways to visualize approximately 2 metres:

- 3 full-sized bike tires apart, or
- 1 adult grizzly bear apart, or
- Holding an adult ski pole out with your outstretched arm (if you could poke someone with it, they’re too close)

Heading outside solo (or with people you live with) is all good. Embrace a chance to be active with these household exercise buddies. Get your kids to bike alongside you as you run, grab your dog for a walk, or invite your roomie out for a relaxed bike ride. On tight paths or sidewalks, respect other people’s space – remember that 2m distance – instead of buzzing closely past.

Things you should not be doing? Activities that involve groups of people, like group rides, group runs, or even driving to a spot with someone from outside your household.



## Stay connected in other ways
While physical separation is a must, it doesn’t mean you can’t stay connected in other ways. If you’re a runner, pop in a single earbud to chat with your run buddies who are also running (but in other places). Many races, group rides and run crews are also creating virtual versions via Strava or Zwift.

## Keep it clean
Before you head outside for a walk, run or ride, wash your hands by following the [Health Canada guidelines](https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/phac-aspc/documents/services/publications/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/covid-19-handwashing/covid-19-handwashing-eng.pdf). “Bring hand sanitizer with you,” says Dr. Farjou, “and avoid touching your face in public. Also set a time limit for your activities instead of loitering around for prolonged periods.” Some other tips:

- Direct any surprise sneezes into your elbow (don’t spray them out into the world haphazardly).
- No snot rockets, no spitting.
- “Remember to stay hydrated,” says Dr. Farjou. Bring your own water bottle to avoid using shared water fountains.
- If you need to push elevator buttons or crosswalk buttons, use your elbow, not your fingers.

When you return home, do the hand-washing routine all over again, this time with a dose of feel-good endorphins in your system.

## Adapt your daily routine
City folks: we feel you. If you live in a dense neighbourhood, you might need to adjust your regular running paths or routes. “If you see a lot of people at the location you’ve chosen – don’t go there. Choose somewhere else,” says Dr. Farjou.

Time to adapt and overcome. “I’d usually run on the seawall in Vancouver,” one MEC staffer told us, “but I’ve totally adjusted my routes for now. Quiet side streets near my house make it way easier to physically distance from other people, plus I can just hop aside if I see someone else coming.”

Adapting your routine can also mean shifting the time you head outside. Early mornings or later evenings could be less busy in your area. Remember to stay visible with [reflective straps](/en/products/run-and-fitness/training-running-and-fitness-electronics/armbands/c/1111) or a [headlamp](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/tools-lighting-and-accessories/headlamps-and-lighting/headlamps/c/1306), and stay aware of your surroundings ([Aftershokz headphones](/en/brand/aftershokz/products/camping-and-hiking/electronics/audio-and-video-electronics/earphones/c/1138) allow you to hear the world around you).



## Dial down the intensity
“It’s important to adapt your exercise to this ‘new normal’ period of physical distancing,” says Dr. Farjou. “We must adjust our expectations to stay active, but also to prevent harm on a public health level.”

The North Shore Mountain Bike Association (one of the community groups that MEC supports) shared thoughts that apply to mountain biking and any other activity. “Being out on the trails is a great way to try and relax; it can also be a path to the emergency room, hospital, or clinic if you take a tumble,” says their president Cooper Quinn in a [Facebook statement](https://www.facebook.com/nsmba/posts/10157229892780036). “We just can’t risk recreational injuries right now.”

To ease the burden on Canadian healthcare workers and keep yourself safe, practice low-risk activity, dial down the intensity, ease up on the speed.

> “Avoid very intense exercise that exacerbates underlying conditions like asthma or could cause an injury. We want to prevent trips to the hospital right now where many COVID-19 patients are being seen.” – Dr. Farjou
>
## Know before you go
One of the [Leave No Trace principles](https://www.leavenotrace.ca/principle-plan-ahead-prepare) is to plan ahead and prepare, and that’s definitely the case now. Before you head out, Dr. Farjou recommends you “look up ahead of time to see if the trail or park you are going to is open right now – many of them are closed currently.”

Our community partners at CPAWS BC, shared that “in alignment with our health authorities, we are also asking that you and your families follow your provincial and territorial guidelines and don’t go to the parks.” [Parks Canada](https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/voyage-travel/securite-safety/covid-19-info), along with provincial parks in [British Columbia](http://bcparks.ca/covid-19/), [Alberta](https://www.albertaparks.ca/albertaparksca/news-events/alberta-environment-and-parks-response-to-covid-19/), [Saskatchewan](https://www.tourismsaskatchewan.com/places-to-go/provincial-parks/Announcements), [Ontario](https://news.ontario.ca/ene/en/2020/03/ontario-update-on-ontario-parks-operations-in-response-to-covid-19.html), [Quebec](https://www.sepaq.com/annexes/mesures-preventives-coronavirus.dot?language_id=1), [Nova Scotia](https://novascotia.com/coronavirus), [New Brunswick](https://www.tourismnewbrunswick.ca/Products/Groups/ProvincialParks/), and [PEI](https://www.tourismpei.com/pei-provincial-parks) have all issued statements around types of closures.

Just think: when we finally get through this, the parks, trails, campgrounds and outdoor places we care about are going to seem so much sweeter.

## Love your local zone
As [Health Canada](https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/prevention-risks.html) is recommending, keep your activity close to home. All Canadian public avalanche forecasters have [discontinued service](https://www.avalanche.ca/news/all-forecasting-agencies-united-in-covid-19-response) in response to COVID-19, and search and rescue organizations are also highlighting the need for people to be [extra cautious outside](https://www.bcsara.com/2020/03/search-and-rescue-during-covid-19-pandemic-2/).

That said, close to home can still mean close to nature. Get to know the trees in your neighbourhood, the paths in your nearby park, and the signs of spring unfurling around you. One idea? MEC Leave No Trace Ambassador Taryn Eyton (who would usually be exploring backcountry routes) is instead taking this time to appreciate nature near home with her #naturephotoeveryday challenge on [@happiestoutdoors](https://www.instagram.com/happiestoutdoors/).

“Many local parks and outdoor spaces are receiving less maintenance right now,” says Taryn, “and some facilities aren’t available. Remember to bring a bag and pack out all your trash, and check out [Leave No Trace’s post](https://lnt.org/the-leave-no-trace-recommendations-for-getting-outside-amidst-covid-19/) for their advice.”

Oh – and if you’re tempted to take off to your cabin, or a small mountain or coastal town, please don’t. “An influx of visitors threatens not only to spread COVID-19,” says CPAWS BC, “but it can also overwhelm the capacity of smaller, rural hospitals. Remember, you may not show any signs of infection but still be spreading the virus.”



## Active body, healthy future
Some things are outside your sphere of control, but within it, you know what to do. Moving your body, eating right and resting are ways you can look after yourself. Plus, [ParticipACTION](https://www.participaction.com/en-ca/everything-better/heal-better) shares that exercise “reduces the time we spend dwelling on negative thoughts” – something many of us could use right now.

“I’d recommend you figure out a way to scale back, but still elevate your heart rate for 15–20 minutes, three to four times a week,” says Dr. Farjou. “My goals at this time aren’t to make drastic changes in my activity or fitness level but to at least maintain my cardiovascular health and keep my major muscle groups engaged.”

Use these tips to be outside safely. Walk your dog in a local park. Run around your neighbourhood. Cycle a new loop in your town. Do some stretching outside. Above all, take care of yourself and each other.

We’ll ride this out together.

## Related articles
- [How to stay connected to the outdoors while you’re at home](/en/article/how-to-stay-connected-to-the-outdoors-while-youre-at-home)
- [Fun indoor activities for outdoorsy kids](/en/article/fun-indoor-activities-for-outdoorsy-kids)
- [Tips to train for rock climbing at home](/en/article/how-to-train-for-rock-climbing-from-home)



How to keep moving during COVID-19, with physical distancing in mind. Now’s the time to work together to learn new ways of being outside when and where we can.

Tips to exercise outdoors safely while social distancing

Looking for things to do with your kids? We checked in with a crew of parents from MEC to see how they’ve been spending time and keeping things interesting close to home.

## Make a time capsule
Dig out a glass jar or box from your recycling bin and get your kids to fill it with cool things to discover years down the road. Maybe it’s a drawing of their pet, a list of things all the outdoor activities they want to try over the next 10 years, or a story about their favourite outdoor memory. Break out the construction paper, glue and markers to decorate it all up, too.

## Have a home campout
Set up camp in your living room or backyard. “We set up the tent in the backyard for our four-year-old both days last weekend,” says MEC staffer Brock. “We pulled in sleeping bags and mattresses and had a sleepover with Pooh Bear, stuffed rabbit, owl and monster. We weathered out some imaginary storms, had imaginary tea, and then the animals wrestled for what was probably 15 minutes but seemed like an hour.”

## Learn the stars
A clear night is perfect to learn constellations from your backyard. You can go the traditional route with a [star dial](/en/product/4008-584/Night-Sky-Star-Dial) (great for future camping trips). Or you can download a free astronomy app like SkyView Lite. “What I like about this app,” says MEC member Mike, “is that it connects the dots of constellations and shows an animation with the name to make visualizing the constellation easier. You can also use it to see where the moon and sun are below the horizon.”

## Pack a picnic
Pack up a cooler of goodies, lay out a blanket in your living room, patio or backyard, and dig in for a household picnic. If there’s snow on the ground, bring out [sleeping bags](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/sleeping-bags-and-pads/sleeping-bags/c/1410) and toques for a winter version outdoors (highly recommend [hot chocolate](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/kitchen-and-hydration/food-and-drink/drinks/coffee-and-hot-chocolate/c/1581) in this case). [Camping cutlery](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/kitchen-and-hydration/cookware-dishes-and-utensils/camping-utensils-and-cutting-boards/forks-spoons-and-cutlery-sets/c/1275) gives any picnic an outdoorsy vibe.



## Plan an outdoor movie night
If the weather is warm enough, set up your laptop or tablet to stream movies in a backyard tent or on your patio. If it’s too chilly or outdoor space isn’t possible (or your wifi cuts out when you step outside), create an “outdoor movie night” inside. Kids can help set up a tent, rearrange couch cushions to make a fort, or even create a drive-in movie theatre vibe by raiding the recycling bin to make a cardboard box car to sit in.

## Build birdhouses
“Last weekend, we built some birdhouses,” said MEC staffer Jason, dad to two boys. “Robin nesting season is just around the corner, so it was a well-timed project for the backyard.” If you’re in in an apartment, or don’t have the tools or wood to make a real birdhouse handy, kids could construct cardboard birdhouses – it’s all about creativity and keeping busy, so sometimes the end project is just as fun when it’s craft-focused.

## Go on an animal safari
A clever way to make old toys seem new for toddlers? Present them in fresh ways. “My 21-month-year-old knows a lot of animal names,” says MEC staffer Carolyn. “When he’s not in the room, we spread out all his animal toys (on tables, shelves, window sills), so we can spot them together. I ask him ‘Where’s your bear?’ and he scans the room until he finds it. It’s pretty adorable.”

## Give little ones a daily discovery
“Toddlers have an incredibly short attention span, and they’re curious about anything they haven’t seen or touched before.” says Carolyn. “So every few days, I leave out a random new object in a place we can watch him discover it, like on the coffee table. It’s been a hit! Highly successful daily deliveries so far have included a cardboard box, a hiking backpack, and a muffin tray with reusable silicone muffin cups.”



## Have an activity treasure hunt
Sketch out a map of your house – better yet, ask the kids to do it – and set up age-appropriate activities for them to find, then mark their locations on the map. The activities don’t need to be fancy, since hunting for them adds to the adventure. Some ideas for “activity treasure” are below – be prepared to spend some time playing along, depending on the activity:

- Nature-based colouring book pages ([download some free ones here](http://meccms.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/15_CM_0008_CampBigKidsPages_EN_FA_2.pdf))
- An old hiking sock with spare buttons and fabric to make it into a sock puppet
- Trail mix challenge: what ingredients can they combine for their own special mix?
- House-friendly [camp games](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/games/c/1225), like [indoor bocce](/en/product/5062-974/Freestyle-Soft-Bocce)
- Collage art station with old magazines
- Daily bingo page of things for them do see or spot

*Stay tuned to @mec social channels for skills sessions, #goodtimesinside activity tips and stories to keep you connected to the outdoors.*



Looking for things to do with your kids? We checked in with a crew of parents from MEC to see how they’ve been spending time and keeping things interesting close to home.