Cool Gear Hot Clothing

COOLGEAR FOR THE SPRING SEASON

ECOXGEAR ECOSTONE WATERPROOF WIRELESS SPEAKER – $169

Can’t patch your MP3 through the 8-track player? This waterproof, buoyant speaker lets you take your music anywhere, hot tubs, campsites, and rental cars with broken stereos. It hooks up via Bluetooth to the device that has your music. It even acts as a speakerphone so you can take your important calls in the tub. Look for it at mec.ca/.

MEC EXPLORER DOWN SLEEPING BAG 0C ‑ INFANTS TO YOUTHS (UNISEX) – $149

Let the younger members of your expedition enjoy the body-hugging warmth only a down-filled mummy bag can deliver. During the day, they (or maybe you) will also appreciate the small size and lightness when it's in the pack. Look for it at mec.ca/.

SVEN 21" FOLDING WOOD SAW – $33.75

Rip through deadfall or driftwood easily. The Sven’s blade cuts on both the push and the pull phase of the stroke. For carrying, the blade folds safely inside the handle, so you can slip it into your pack. For cutting, the frame forms a rigid triangle shape. This longer model makes trail maintenance and wilderness furniture construction go faster. Look for it at mec.ca

SPEEDMINTON S400 SET – $119.99

No court, no rules, no limits – from a relaxed game at the beach to an adrenaline-charged volley in total darkness. Just play — without keeping score — for fun and action wherever you have enough space. This competitions set includes two speed racquets made of carbon composite and stiffer frames to allow a higher string tension. A multifilament string is used which creates a higher rebound effect in the sweet spot area. Look for it at www.speedminton.ca/.

BIOLITE BASECAMP GRILL – $340

A group-sized version of BioLite’s super-efficient woodstove/USB charger. The BioLite BaseCamp is bigger than the CampStove and improved in many other ways. A side-loading fuel chamber lets you add wood without taking your pot off the flame. The dual-purpose cooking surface adjusts from boiling to grilling with a flame spreading lever. The internal battery runs the fan and banks power for future use when you’re not charging devices. An LED dashboard helps you adjust the fire for the best charging efficiency for phones or other USB-chargeable device. Consider it essential gear for any well-appointed basecamp or bugout location. Look for it at mec.ca

MEC STORM DEGREE JACKET – $250

Wait out endless storm cycles around camp or hunker down at the belay in this weather-resistant parka.

The breathable face fabric reduces internal condensation and repels water. Taped, welded baffles eliminate needle holes at the seam lines, creating even less chance for moisture or cold to get in. The jacket is stuffed with 800-fill power down that's DWR-treated to maintain its loft and warmth even through daily wear. You don't need to add another layer to keep the down protected from wetness and saturation. Look for it at mec.ca

MEC Happytrails Child Carrier Backpack – $119

This MEC kid carrier features a real backpack suspension system – with a lushly padded hipbelt, and a shoulder strap attachment point that is infinitely adjustable for any user up to 183cm in height – making your child easier to carry in the backcountry.

The five-point child-restraint harness is the safest we know of, and its straps are fleece covered for comfort. The diaper bag clips off to become a daypack. A sun hood is included at no additional charge. Carries children up to 23kg. Happy trails! Look for it at mec.ca.

PUZLOOK SLR MULTI-LENS MOBILE PHOTO CASE FOR IPHONE 5/5s) – $129.95

Perfect for the outdoor enthusiast, this case carries touts a camera lens for every occassion. Whether it's to cleanly and propery zoom-in onto an element of nature, or just to take some great shots of friends, it has e verything you need for the best photographs. It includes: a 5–lens optical mobile case for iphone 5/5s; lightweight 70gms; compact size; SLR quality lenses manufactured in Japan; available in four colours, black, white, silver & pink. As well it has: an 8gb USB memory stick (doubles as handsfree kickstand); integrated universal tripod mount. Don't fret about clips, magnets or detachable lens covers. Just attach puzlook to your iphone, point and click and you're ready to go. Look for it at wwwpuzlook.com/.

NAPOLEON TQ285X – $399

Take gourmet grilling anywhere, on any terrain with the Napoleon TravelQ™ TQ285X Portable Gas Grill with Scissor Cart. This portable grill is fixed to a scissor cart that folds down for easy upright storage, you can even hang it on a wall, and sets up in seconds with just a lift and pull. The integrated side shelves provide prep area with a place for your towels and tools. The large wheels traverse any terrain easily, whether you’re grilling on the deck or grilling in the woods. Look for it at www.bbqing.com

BLACK DIAMOND MESA 2 PERSON TENT – $375

This 2-person tent provides extended comfort for your backpacking trips and weekends away. The mesh interior provides 360-degree views if you remove the fly to sleep out in hot weather. Both doors have vestibules, so you both have a place to store gear and put your boots on out of the rain. Look for it at mec.ca.

Pedal Easy Light-weight Electric Bikes – fm $1500

Pedal Easy is an integrated design, combining an ultralight-weight power system with a light-weight touring frame and high-end bicycle components. Motor speed, size, power and battery capacity have all been optimized to encourage riding. It is first and foremost a bicycle. Most e-bikes are much heavier and have not been designed to encourage pedalling and power-free riding, but rather they have been primarily designed for the free ride. All bikes have full fenders, kickstand, bell and ergonomic handlebar grips. Look for it at www.pedaleasy.ca