Mountain classics, reimagined, the limited edition MEC Apex Backcountry Ski Collection reintroduces four original MEC styles in modern performance materials
January 24, 2022 - The Canadian Outdoor Retailer, MEC, has just dropped the MEC Apex Backcountry Ski Collection, a new limited edition range that reimagines classic MEC styles from the 1990s using modern performance materials.
Founded in the mountains of Vancouver in 1971, MEC began as a group of friends selling climbing gear from the back of their van and has since grown to become Canada’s top outdoor retailer, with over six million members and 21 stores across the country. Throughout its 50 year history, MEC has been an industry leader in apparel innovation and sustainable practices, both through its supply chain and support of non-profit organizations that promote outdoor recreation and conservation (MEC has donated $44 million and counting).
“The MEC Apex Backcountry Ski Collection celebrates MEC’s deep love of - and unwavering commitment to - the mountains in which it was born,” explains MEC’s Chief Product Officer, Adam Ketcheson. “The designs are based on some of our best-selling ski styles from the ‘90s and really capture the spirit of the era. However, we’ve made the collection using the latest materials and fabrications. Don’t let the retro styling fool you - these are serious technical pieces, packed with the kind of boundary-pushing performance and sustainability features that MEC has long been known for.”
There are four pieces in the MEC Apex Backcountry Ski Collection:
The Icefield Jacket
The Icefield Jacket is our most breathable backcountry ski jacket, designed for high-output human-powered adventures. A lightweight 3-layer Toray® shell made with an electrospun membrane makes it almost 50% more breathable than standard 3-layer jackets. This means the jacket can be worn comfortably in a wider variety of temperatures and conditions when you’re working hard. The longer silhouette provides greater coverage on and off the slopes, and the fully-seam taped construction and Aquaguard water-tight zips ensure the inside of the jacket will stay dry.
Salopettes
A companion piece to the Icefield Jacket that’s also great on its own, the Salopettes feature the same incredibly breathable 3-layer Toray® construction on the top portion as you’ll be shedding heat in that zone, with durable 3-layer Pertex Shield on the lower half as that’s the section knee-deep in snow. Fully-seam taped and equipped with aquaguard water tight zips, the Salopettes are engineered for all conditions. And both the Icefield Jacket and the Salopettes Bib come with a built-in Recco Rescue System Reflectors for mountain environments.
St. Elias Parka
MEC’s warmest parka - and one of its most environmentally-responsible - the St. Elias is made using fabric that’s leftover from the production of MEC’s customer-favorite Talon Sleeping Bag, and insulated with premium 800 fill-power down that’s certified by the Responsible Down Standard. Repurposing the excess Talon fabric not only keeps it out of a landfill, it also gives the St. Elias increased durability thanks to the fabric’s abrasion-resistant Pertex® Endurance coating, while the Responsible Down Standard certification ensures the jacket’s down insulation is traceable and cruelty-free.
Weeping Wall Pack
The Weeping Wall Pack is made from a blend of nylon and Spectra® fibres, a featherweight synthetic material that, pound-for-pound, is stronger than steel. This makes the Weeping Wall incredibly tear-resistant without adding weight. The bag also comes equipped with a floating lid that allows for overstuffing, but that can be removed along with the back panel, to reduce weight, and exterior daisy chains and compression straps for carrying anything that won’t fit inside (skis, poles, snowboard, snowshoes, etc). On the inside, you’ll find a designated compartment to carry and organize your avy gear, providing easy access when it’s needed most.
Every piece in the MEC Apex Backcountry Ski Collection also features a catalog image of the original piece that inspired it printed on the interior.
“The catalog images printed inside the MEC Apex Backcountry Ski Collection pieces provide both a fun little easter egg for MEC diehards, and glimpse into the brand’s history for MEC newbies,” adds Ketcheson. “And for both of those customers, old and new, there’s a lot this collection has to offer. It’s highly technical, heritage-inspired, and finely tuned for human-powered adventures. In other words, it’s everything that’s made MEC what it is for the last 50 years.”
The MEC Apex Backcountry Ski Collection will be available from https://www.mec.ca/en and select MEC retail locations starting January 24, 2022. Prices start at $189.95 CAD / $149.95 USD.
About MEC
Established in 1971, MEC is Canada’s go-to place for technical outdoor gear, know-how and inspiration. Combining high-quality apparel and equipment with expert advice and firsthand experience, MEC supports a wide range of activities including camping, snowsports, watersports, cycling, climbing, hiking, trail running and travel. For decades, MEC has been a strong backer of sustainability and community initiatives, and has invested $44 million (and counting) into non-profit organizations that support outdoor recreation and conservation. For more information, visit https://www.mec.ca/en, follow @mec, or visit one of our stores nationwide.
