*This challenge is all wrapped up. A huge thank you to our community for coming together and **logging a massive 635,665 metres of vertical** through 1,884 activities this Earth Month! Thanks to this incredible community effort, **MEC is donating $25,000 to [Protect Our Winters Canada](https://www.mec.ca/en/explore/protect-our-winters-canada)**, a movement dedicated to climate advocacy, powered by people who love the outdoors.* 

**The more vertical you rack up, the more MEC will donate to Protect Our Winters Canada to help fight the climate crisis.**

## The challenge
From April 7–30, log as many vertical metres as possible. Any outdoor activity works: run, bike, ski, hike, you name it. For every 20m of vertical you climb, **MEC will donate to $1 to POW Canada**, up to $25,000.

It’s free to sign up for the challenge, and there’ll definitely be prizes. The overall goal? Let’s hit a massive 500,000m of elevation together – that’s 56 Everests!

## How to sign up
To join the challenge, **fill out your name and email in the form below**. Everyone who registers receives a 1-month FATMAP Explore voucher via email. This gives you access to FATMAP Explore for a month to download maps offline, use custom terrain tools, track vertical and more.


## Download and track
**Use the FATMAP app to keep track of your vertical for this challenge.** You can connect your FATMAP account with your tracking device (Suunto, Garmin or Strava) so that your tracks get automatically sent to your FATMAP account. Once you sign up, you’ll get all the info and your 1-month free FATMAP Explore voucher.

## Climb
Get your friends involved and log that vert! Make sure you edit the title of your adventure in FATMAP **with the hashtag #ClimbForClimate** so that we can see your vertical metres.

## Prizes
Everyone who signs up for the challenge will be automatically entered for a chance to win:

- One of 3 outdoor prize packs with goodies from MEC, POW Canada and FATMAP
- A [Suunto 9 Peak](https://www.mec.ca/en/product/6016-515/9-Peak) watch, valued at $729.95
- $250 MEC gift card
- And more!

From April 7–30, log as many vertical metres as possible. Any outdoor activity works: run, bike, ski, hike, you name it. For every 20m of vertical you climb, MEC will donate to $1 to POW Canada, up to $25,000.

Climb for Climate

Earth Month challenge

At MEC, we love the outdoors. But we also recognize that it isn’t always the most accessible or equitable place. So last year, we launched [Queer Gear Kits](/en/explore/queer-gear-kits) – annual grants to support 2SLGBTQIA+ community groups getting more folks outside. 

“Recreating outdoors can be intimidating, exclusive and cost prohibitive, whether it be due to safety, gear requirements or perceived experience level,” said Nicola, Colleen and Jessie from The Monthly Cycle, one of last year’s Queer Gear Kits recipients. “Ironically, it’s some of these systemic barriers that make the act of going outside all the more important to the wellness of different groups!” 

With 64 applicants in its inaugural year, it was incredibly tough to choose among all the great candidates. Congrats to Edmonton 2 Spirit Society, UBC CampOUT! and The Monthly Cycle – the 2022 recipients doing incredible work in their communities. Read on to learn about their outdoorsy plans.  

## Want to apply for 2023 Queer Gear Kit grants? 

We’re opening Queer Gear Kits grant applications again, and we’re beyond excited. Spread the word if you know any groups that would be interested. **Grant applications are open June 1 to 30, 2023** (we’ll contact recipients in August).  

## Edmonton 2 Spirit Society 

[Edmonton 2 Spirit Society](https://e2s.ca/) (E2S) is an intergenerational non-profit organization that was built upon a foundation laid by other 2 Spirit leaders doing the same work in earlier years. They work with 2 Spirit and Indigenous Queer, Trans and Intersex people (2SIQTIP) and their kinship circles to ensure safer and more inclusive access to social, cultural and ceremonial support.  

*Cheyenne (they/them), Interim Executive Director of Edmonton 2 Spirit Society let us know what they’ve got planned:* 

**How will your group use the Queer Gear Kits grant?**

We’re aiming to use the kits to engage in land-based cultural activities that center 2SIQTIP and their kinship circles. There’s a distinct lack of 2 Spirit led and operated culture camps in and around amiskwacîwâskahikan, colonially known as Edmonton, and E2S hopes to develop programming to address this need. We have big dreams of hosting hide tanning camps, fasting ceremonies, and 2 Spirit regional gatherings, all of which will make use of the items in the Queer Gear Kits.  

> This grant will support our endeavors to bring 2SIQTIP community members outdoors and onto the land in more inclusive settings.  

**Why was the Edmonton 2 Sprit Society interested in this grant?**   

For many urban 2SIQTIP individuals, it can be difficult to access land-based activities that are inclusive of gender and sexual diversity. Connection to the land is such an integral part of many Indigenous communities however this was disrupted due to colonial processes. We wanted to apply to support future programs aimed at repairing our connection to the land. 

## UBC CampOUT 

Based in Vancouver, [CampOUT!](https://campout.ubc.ca/) is an annual leadership and community development program that brings 2SLGBTQ+ youth between the ages of 14 to 21 together in an outdoor summer camp environment. They’re committed to removing financial barriers so all interested individuals can experience the outdoors, gain leadership skills, grow awareness of social issues, access critical health literacy resources and return to their home communities with networks of support.  

*Anna (she/her), Camp Director of CampOUT!, let us know what’s coming up:* 

**How will CampOUT use the Queer Gear Kits grant?**  

This year will be our first full capacity in-person camp since 2019, and we’re excited to offer a tenting program alongside the cabin experience. We’ll have 60 campers, 5 cabins, and a bunch of MEC tents! For campers that would like to try sleeping under the stars, we’ll be able to offer them tents, sleeping bags, sleeping mats and their very own cabin leader to really get that campy experience while at CampOUT! Our goal is to aid campers in gaining the skills and confidence they can use to continue to create camping shelters year-round. 

**What’s something you wish more people knew about your group?**  

While there are lots of pay-for-service outdoor camping opportunities for youth, it’s important to us that CampOUT! does not have financial barriers.  

> For 2SLGBTQ+ youth, a price tag on a program may prevent a young person from even talking to their parent/caregivers about it.  

Campers have dubbed our supporters their faerie/fairy godparents making this program accessible to queer, trans, Two-Spirit, and questioning youth regardless of their economic situation or if their families value an inclusive leadership program for 2SLGBTQ+ folks. 

## The Monthly Cycle 

[The Monthly Cycle](https://www.instagram.com/themonthlycyclehfx/) organizes monthly social rides for women, trans, femme and non-binary riders in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Since starting in 2021, they’ve offered group rides and supplementary workshops that promote the idea that cycling can (and should be) fun, safe and inclusive. The mission of The Monthly Cycle is to welcome, encourage and uplift riders that are underrepresented in cycling, and to foster a safe space for building confidence on two wheels.  

*The Monthly Cycle’s three organizers – Nicola (she/her), Colleen (she/her) and Jessie (she/her) – shared more:* 

**How will the Monthly Cycle use the gear from this grant?** 

The gear will primarily be used to support our riders during the annual Full Moon Campout, our beginner-friendly bikepacking trip that occurs each fall. Last year, 23 folks – most of whom had never tried bikepacking – rode 35km of coastal gravel trails to a beautiful provincial park to camp.  

These trips are preceded by a workshop where riders can ask questions about bike-powered adventures in a safe space, and donated and borrowed gear can be distributed so attendees can trial pack and ride their rigs. We’re also in the process of establishing our own TMC gear library that can serve our community year-round, and the amazing gear we secured through this grant is helping us get there! 

**Why is getting outside so important to the folks in your group?**  

We believe that everyone should be able to experience the joys of self-supported travel. Sadly, the reality is that the barriers to cycling are disproportionately experienced by queer women, trans (men and women), femme and non-binary riders. We’re slow-rolling the patriarchy, one group ride at a time. 

> We’re committed to breaking systemic barriers down with the provision of a safe, inclusive space to build confidence on two wheels. 

*Huge thank yous to all the groups building outdoor communities from coast to coast. We can’t wait to hear about your plans in this year’s [Queer Gear Kits applications](/en/explore/queer-gear-kits).*

See how awesome groups across Canada are using grants to get outside.

Meet the 2022 Queer Gear Kit recipients

You know it’s going to be a great night when the event sells out in a record-breaking 1.5 hours – huge!  

MEC and Edelrid were pumped to welcome Tommy Caldwell back to Vancouver to meet the climbing community – and this time, he brought company. Canadian climbing legend Sonnie Trotter joined Tommy onstage for stories of climbing adventures and misadventures, and MEC Ambassadors [Emma Contaoe](/en/explore/emma-contaoe) and [Sean McColl](/en/explore/sean-mccoll) hosted the evening.  

Check out the highlights from Tommy and Sonnie’s slideshow below, including tales of choss, a high-elevation lawn chair and lots more. 

All event proceeds went to the Climbers’ Access Society of British Columbia – **$6,552** in total. 

Evening talk with Tommy Caldwell and Sonnie Trotter at MEC Vancouver

## Major thanks 

It was great to welcome the climbing and outdoor community to our store, including Van Queer Climbers, Squamish Access Society, Vancouver Climbers Association and [Protect Our Winters Canada](/en/explore/protect-our-winters-canada). A big thank you to our event sponsors too: Edelrid, Athletic Brewing, Humblebee Meadery, Strait & Narrow Cocktails, and Brewhall.

## The story of choss: Mount Louis, 2011 

Tommy’s first trip to the Canadian Rockies was to Mount Louis with Sonnie in 2011. “I know the Rockies well, it’s just like Switzerland!” Sonnie told him. Their plan? Bolt a new route in early season. The reality? Dodging rockfall, choss, being showered with debris, more choss, and leading snowy pitches in July for the full Rockies experience. 

*Photo: “Our $35 portaledge for Mount Louis: a lawn chair and umbrella from the hardware store,” said Tommy.* 

After a couple days of putting the up the route – including shivering through an all-night bolting mission – Tommy and Sonnie rolled back home at 4am. The overall result was The Shining 5.13+, a magnificent 15-pitch bolted route that’s been climbed every summer since. “We’re pretty psyched we made it happen,” said Tommy, “but it was definitely not like Switzerland.” 

*Photo: Mount Louis ended with a long night after a full Rockies experience.* 

## Petrified peanut butter: Malta, 2012 

“Our goal with Malta was some real adventure limestone climbing,” said Sonnie. He and Tommy headed to Gozo with visions of boat-access trad missions on cliffs with dramatic coastal scenery. Dreaming of epic photos, they lined up photographers to capture their limestone quests for a Black Diamond catalogue. The only problem? “The rock was totally rotten,” said Sonnie, “like petrified peanut butter.” 

*Photo: All that soft rock meant getting creative. In this abandoned rock quarry, “The cracks were the perfect size for fingerlocks and handjams,” said Sonnie.* 

After failed anchor attempts in garbage rock and a quarry ascent, they kept hunting on the north side of the island. Success: an absolutely splitter roof crack they could access by rapping through a tight Tommy-sized chimney. Deafening waves and winds crashed into the wall as they bolted anchors in “the softest rock known to humankind – not recommended.” Bundled up in toques and puffers, it seemed a bit surreal that off in the distance, people were sunbathing on the shore.   

*Photo: “We found some bolted sport routes at one point and must’ve been 50ft. above the ocean when a huge wall of seaspray shot up,” said Tommy.* 

## The climb that got away: Mount Stephen, 2013 

The first sign that this plan might go a little sideways? The heat. Tommy and Sonnie set out on a 3-hour slog up a moraine on their attempt to Mount Stephen, which happened to be the first day of a 4-day heatwave.  

*Photo: Anticipating choss on Mount Stephen, Sonnie deployed a high-tech belayer protection system. “The hockey pads were not discussed beforehand,” said Tommy.*  

With the rising temps, waterfalls roared, rockfall was everywhere and the mountain came alive. On their approach to the main wall, a massive rockfall came down from 1500ft. above. Huge pieces and shrapnel whizzed so close they could feel wind rushing by. “Rock was reverberating everywhere,” said Sonnie. “My wife was 6 months pregnant at the time and I thought – I’m done with this climb. Game over.” 

*Photo: A break in the shade before the rockfall.* 

Back at the safety of the parking lot, they felt a sense of truce… along with the feeling of wondering what all the fuss was about now that the danger was way behind them. “Maybe there’s a way to do it safely,” Tommy pondered aloud onstage. Sonnie laughed and looked at him, “Well, what are you doing this summer?” 

## Best Q&A of the night 

As always, the MEC crowd didn’t disappoint. A few of our favourites that Tommy, Sonnie, Emma and Sean answered: 

**What does greatness mean to you?**  

Phew, a heavy-hitter early on. “I think greatness is something that’s perceived by others, not by yourself,” said Tommy. “I mean, even I have imposter syndrome and I somehow became an unintentional movie star.” 

**How do you achieve success in the adventure film industry?** 

“I lived in a truck for 10 years eating peanut butter sandwiches for dinner before I ever made a dollar,” said Sonnie. “My plan was to live like that until I was 30 – I was committed to that life, then met people in the industry along the way.” 

**What’s your mantra?** 

“Trust the process,” said Sean.  

**Most memorable climbing meals?** 

“For ages, it was canned peaches and GORP. I didn’t even bring a stove,” said Tommy. “When I was working on Dawn Wall, I realized I had to fuel my body. Since it was cold like a fridge, I could bring basically anything – bagged kale, hard-boiled eggs, canned salmon.” 

**What would you tell your 21-year old self?**  

“You are already enough,” said Emma (followed by a big round of applause from the crowd on this one). 

**Most importantly… where is the lawn chair now?** 

Reports are hazy, but the running theory is “somewhere in Colorado.” If anyone has leads, let us know – maybe it’ll make an appearance at a future Tommy and Sonnie slideshow near you. 

*Thanks again to everyone who made this night such a blast. Stay tuned for more climbing events coming your way.*

Climbing adventures and misadventures, plus a full video recap of the event.

Stories from an evening with Tommy Caldwell and Sonnie Trotter

It’s Earth month! This April, MEC and our partners are celebrating with creative initiatives you can get in on. Find out how to recycle your old climbing rope, upcycle your unwanted socks, and take action for our favourite planet. Plus, climbing legend Tommy Caldwell is coming back to MEC for an event to chat sustainability and climbing – and this time, he’s got climbing company. 

## Climate action in action 

MEC is setting out on our most challenging expedition yet: uniting external partners in the outdoor industry and empowering our own business to create lasting change in the climate crisis. We’re pushing ahead with a new commitment to reduce our emissions in line with climate science targets. The goal? Reduce our emissions 55% by 2030 and 90% by 2050. 

This is a big step for us. There’s a ton of data and planning behind these targets, and they’ve been submitted to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) for validation. Check out our climate action plan to see how we’re going to make it all happen. 

## Recycle your climbing ropes 
**When: April 13 – May 31** at all MEC stores, except Hudson’s Bay locations 

New for 2023, Sterling Rope is launching their dynamic [rope recycling program](https://sterlingrope.com/rope-recycling-program) in Canada at MEC. It’s a very cool program that gives old ropes new life. Some ropes get upcycled into things like dog leashes or bag handles. Others are melted or ground down into nylon pellets to be turned into carpet fibres, fleece, skateboards and dog toys.  

If you have dynamic climbing rope that’s dirty, damaged or ready to retire, this is your chance to get it out of your garage or gear closet and put it to work in a new way. Any brand is accepted, as long as it’s dynamic (not static) climbing rope. Coil or bind your rope (no flaked and loose ropes, please) and drop it off in the big Sterling Rope Monster Box at MEC stores. 

## Recycle your old socks
**When: April 6 – 30** at all MEC stores 

Only 12% of clothing materials end up getting recycled. It’s time to change that. The [Smartwool Second Cut Project™](https://smartwool.ca/en/second-cut-project.html) is back in Canada to recycle your old socks into new gear. Last year, this project was incredibly sock-ccessful, with over 650,000 socks collected for recycling in North America.   

Drop off unwanted socks at your local MEC store; look for the Smartwool Second Cut Project bins. All socks are welcome, as long as they’re clean: all brands, all colours, all materials, all conditions (single socks are good too). Smartwool will give these socks new life as a new Second Cut™ Project Hike Sock – nice! To date, the Second Cut Project has kept over 24,900kg (55,000 lb.) of material out of landfills.  

Smartwool: The Second Cut Project Hike Sock

## Tommy Caldwell, Sonnie Trotter and Edelrid at MEC 
**When: April 26** at MEC Vancouver, tickets go on sale on April 13 

The legend is back. Join MEC and Edelrid as we chat about climbing access, climate advocacy, and adventures with Tommy Caldwell and Sonnie Trotter. Expect another sold-out show with stories, drinks from local sponsors, community groups, and epic prizes – all hosted by MEC Ambassadors [Sean McColl](/en/explore/sean-mccoll) and [Emma Contaoe](/en/explore/emma-contaoe). 

Mark your calendar for ticket sales (they go fast) and keep an eye on [@mec](https://www.instagram.com/mec/) for ticket giveaway contests. 

## Hot Planet, Cool Athletes: student education 

Want to empower the next generation of climate advocates? [Protect Our Winters Canada](/en/explore/protect-our-winters-canada) (one of our MEC Outdoor Impact partners) offers a free climate change education platform for students and teachers across Canada.  

[Hot Planet, Cool Athletes](https://www.protectourwinters.ca/hot_planet_cool_athletes) helps high school students be climate leaders through educational videos, presentations from top Canadian athletes, a huge bank of teacher resources and sustainable student challenges. It was developed in partnership with the University of Waterloo Interdisciplinary Centre on Climate Change. 

MEC was a founding partner of Protect Our Winters Canada, and we’re proud to keep investing in their advocacy work, and programs like Hot Planet, Cool Athletes, that unites people to make change.  

## Protect 30% of Canada’s wild spaces by 2030 

MEC Outdoor Impact’s key national conservation partner is the [Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS)](/en/explore/canadian-parks-and-wilderness-society). They’re on a mission to protect 30% of land and water in Canada by 2030, and they’re partnering with Indigenous organizations and communities to support and advocate for Indigenous-led conservation initiatives. 

How can you help? Join the “We Can’t Wait” campaign and [take action on the CPAWS website](https://cpaws.org/wecantwait/). Lend your voice to campaigns at the national level or through your regional CPAWS chapter, such as supporting the Pessamit First Nation to protect the Pipmuakan in Quebec, defending the Great Bear Sea in BC, and protecting the Seal River Watershed in Manitoba.   

Take action to protect 30% of land and ocean in Canada!

## Keep an eye out for more sustainable materials 

Earth Month is a great time to learn about what goes into materials. Check out a few highlights of more sustainable materials landing at MEC this season. Remember: if you’re buying new gear, make sure it’s built to last. 

#### More warmth, less waste 

The [MEC Mountain Blanket](/en/product/6019-759/mountain-blanket) is made with leftover fabric from sleeping bag production to squeeze everything we can out of giant fabric rolls. 

#### Triple-whammy 

Not just one, but three ways to improve materials: the [MEC Boundary Light Down Jacket](/en/search?q=boundary%20light) has bluesign®-approved fabric, recycled content, and certified responsible down. 

#### Made from leftover backpack fabric 

The [MEC Waste-Less Tote Bag](/en/product/5043-242/waste-less-tote-bag-20l) is made with fabric salvaged from MEC backpacks to keep scraps out of the landfill and reduce our footprint. It’s incredibly durable too. 

#### Keeps you rolling smoothly 

[MEC Bio-Cycle 1L Chain Cleaner](/en/product/4013-718/bio-cycle-1l-chain-cleaner) is a water-soluble, biodegradable degreaser to clean gunk off your bike chain for smoother rides all year long. 

Keep an eye for even more info about more sustainable choices in the world of outdoor gear – we’ve got a full guide coming soon for Earth Month. 

See what’s happening this April, from climbing rope recycling to climate action plans.

What’s going on for Earth Month

As the weather warms, it’s time to zip-off for spring. With 10 zippers and 32 configurations, the new MEC Zip Line Pants boldly go where no hike pants have gone before. Change with the weather, wade across rivers and maximize your vitamin D absorption with hyper-technical features and breathtaking versatility.

Pre-hike trailhead stretch? Go Knee Huggers Mode to get that unrestricted deep lunge. 
Sweating it out to the summit? Go advanced with Thigh Breezers mode and embrace that view.

And when you want to carry the detached layers, the patented clip-on DingleDangle System has you covered.

MEC Zip Line Pants

Looking for more styles and less zippers? 

With 10 zippers and 32 configurations, the new MEC Zip Line Pants boldly go where no hike pants have gone before.

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Earth Month challenge

The challenge

How to sign up

Download and track

Climb

Prizes

Recent articles

Meet the 2022 Queer Gear Kit recipients

Stories from an evening with Tommy Caldwell and Sonnie Trotter

What’s going on for Earth Month

Meet the MEC Zip Line Pants