Snowshoeing during my holiday break
Growing up, I didn’t spend lots of time outdoors in nature, despite that fact that my father was an avid outdoorsman. I remember him venturing out on camping and fishing trips with his buddies throughout my childhood. Although I’m bummed that I missed out on that – as I get older, I’ve tried my best to make up for it by embracing the outdoors, from hiking to snowshoeing and snowboarding – or my attempts to. “A” for effort right?
Building an outdoor winter wardrobe that matches your favourite activities takes time and is an investment. It’s a worthwhile one though. Wearing the right pieces will keep you warm, comfortable and dry – which just gives you more reason to enjoy the beautiful outdoors. And, nothing beats that intoxicating feeling of being outside in nature. Shopping for an outdoor winter wardrobe can be very overwhelming. Where do you start?
I had a chance to chat with Spring Harrison, MEC Designer about how one can go about building a winter outdoor wardrobe right for them.
I’m a snowboard newbie myself, what are the essential layers you need when you’re snowboarding or skiing? What items do we need to check off our list?
You definitely need a bottom and top base layer. Look for breathable fabrics that also wick away moisture from the skin. High performance, breathable poly blends and merino wool would be the best choice. Do not wear cotton as it has a tendency to retain moisture and will give you a chill when you stop and your body starts to cool down. A warm mid-layer is essential in colder climates especially if you have an outer layer that isn’t insulated. Again, look for breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics. Look for a mid-layer that could double as an outer layer for warmer days or for other activities. The MEC Obsession Hoody featuring Polartec Alpha, an ultra breathable insulation, is a great choice.
Depending on the temperature, a lightweight outer layer shell or an insulated outer layer to bump up the warmth factor would complete the layering system. The right gear will keep you comfortable and confident throughout your day on the slopes. It can also inspire you to try a new run or stay out longer, so make sure you have the right gear for you and your outdoor adventures.
MEC Obsession Hoodie $155 CAD
What are the key differences between a ski or snowboard jacket? If you buy one jacket, can you wear it for both?
In the past, snowboard jackets were generally less form fitting and designed to be longer in order to give you an extra layer of protection from the snow while sitting and doing up your bindings. However, these days, style and fit between the two types of mountain sports are much more similar so you can definitely wear the same jacket for both activities. Roz Groenewoud, Canadian Olympian and X-Games free skier, is wearing the MEC Sweet Shot Jacket this season, which is cut longer at the back and performs brilliantly as a ski jacket. With a pair of jeans, it also makes a lightweight and warm everyday winter jacket.
MEC Sweet Shot Jacket Reg $525 CAD, Sale $299 CAD
What should one look for in a pair of snow pants?
If you’re resort skiing or boarding in the colder parts of the country you’ll probably want insulated pants like the MEC Fine Line Pants and a base layer, like the MEC Merino T3 Long Johns. If you’re riding in spring-like conditions where temperatures are much warmer, then a lightweight, breathable shell and a warm baselayer will most likely do.
Here are some general features to look for when buying a ski or snowboard pant:
- Belt loops and adjustable tabs at the waist so you can fine tune the fit.
- A couple of pockets for carrying a snack, ID, or your phone.
- Zippered thigh vents to allow heat to escape if you overheat.
- If you are riding in wetter conditions, then you’ll want the seams to be taped for to be water proof.
- Built-in Recco Rescue System reflector allows ski patrol and mountain rescue teams to detect and locate Recco reflectors under snow. This feature is useful for resort skiing; however, Recco technology is not a substitute for avalanche skills training, beacon, essential gear, or smart decision-making in the back country.
MEC Fine Line Pants Reg $185 CAD, Sale $129 CAD
Say someone wants to invest in one type of versatile jacket for outdoor winter, they want to wear it snowshoeing or skiing or on an outdoor hike. What type of jacket or features would you recommend?
For high output activities like cross country skiing, snowshoeing and hiking you’ll want a breathable layered system – base layer, mid-layer and a lightweight shell outer layer if it’s particularly windy or wet. When you’re in the middle of your activity and pushing hard you’ll most likely be comfortable in just the base layer or the baselayer/mid-layer combo. When resting for a snack or photo opp you may need to put on all three layers.
For Eastern Canada resort skiing or snowboarding, where you’ll be waiting in lines and spending time on chairlifts, you may need a more substantial, insulated outer layer like the MEC Sweet Shot. For shoulder season resort skiing or if you’re out West, a lightweight, breathable shell like the MEC Oreithya Jacket would keep you comfortable. The MEC Ruby Jacket or MEC Coaction Jacket would work great as a mid layer for any of the above activities.
With colder temperatures during the winter, what are the best ways to layer up when running – staying warm, yet not overheating?
It’s all about moisture-wicking, breathable layers for winter running. We recommend starting with a wicking, breathable base layer made of polyester or merino wool. These materials keep moisture away from your body and merino wool stays warm when wet.
A breathable insulating mid layer is perfect for a cold day. A mid-layer with hybrid construction is best. The MEC Nitro Thermal Run Jacket has wind and rain resistant fabric that protects the chest, shoulders and arms while breathable fabric is used for under the arms and lower back in order to avoid overheating.
For bottoms I’d recommend a tight. Tights provide less wind resistance but feel great and have nonrestrictive motion. The understated MEC Mercury 2 Tights was made for running in Canadian winters and features a reflective pattern for visibility.
MEC Mercury 2 Tights $75 CAD