Whistler Outerwear, Lifestyle Clothing & Adventure Gear

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Action cams. They can capture everything. Maybe it’s your vacation and you want to be able to show everyone at home how much fun you’re having. Or you’re looking for a POV (That’s an abbreviation for point of view for all you action cam newbies out there) addition to your footage to create the perfect edit. Action cams are versatile, compact and insane little pieces of technology. With so many options to choose from out there on the market, we’ve put together a cheat sheet so you can find the action cam best suited for you and your video needs!

Go Pro

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Your highest resolution action cam (think crisp, clear images). This bad boy boasts water proofing up to 40 metres and out of all the action cams on the market, the Go Pro takes the fastest burst image capture! Many of it’s other specifications are professional quality so you can create a high quality edit to schmooze the sponsors or just one to post on Facebook!

Contour

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Time lapse guru? This little guy is for you! Its long battery life of 3 hours and slow burst speed makes it ideal for capturing longer footage. The Contour  has also been reviewed as being the best helmet cam because of its super wide viewing angle! To put a cherry on top, it boasts an easy to use system, making it a great purchase for beginner videographers.

Ion

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This is a great all none little camera. It’s basic and doesn’t require any additional housing to make it waterproof. For those of you looking for sleek, low profile, and light weight the Ion is for you. Finding it so easy to take lots of footage? The Ion comes with 8g of cloud storage so you don’t have to worry about when and where you’re choosing to use your camera!

So go on, find an action cam that you find easy to use, offers the key features that suite your needs and fits in to your adventure so you can relive your Whistler moments over and over again. Have more questions? Head in to McCoo’s and one of our action cam specialists will get you sorted!

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In Whistler, a lot of hours are logged at one of the many lakes. BBQ’s, sun tanning, docks, rope swings and even outdoor movie nights become part of your every day. With summer just around the corner, it’s time to start preparing and not in the getting beach bod ready way! Here is what you need in your beach bag to have the best time lakeside!

Battery Pack

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Don’t be caught with no battery so you can’t find out where the party is! The Outdoor tech battery pack has 6000 milliamps of power and can even charge a tablet, which is basically unheard of in the battery pack world. Oh yeah, did we mention it’s water proof?

 Swim Suit

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There is clothing optional beaches in Whistler but for all those other ones, your going to need a some thing to cover yours bits and pieces. Ripcurl swim suits come in all shapes and sizes to show off as much or a little skin as you’d like.

Sandals

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With only a few lakes in Whistler located right by a parking lot, your going to find yourself walking and bare feet are’t going to cut it on the trails. Grab a pair of Reef Sandals and be prepared to trek to the wildest locations to find rope swings and secret docks. Isn’t that what summer is about?

Towel & Sunscreen

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This is an obvious but often over looked necessity. SunBum sunscreen is formulated to protect those that live in the sun and therefore, fits our Whistler mentality of forever being outside. Tested, approved and recommended by The Skin Cancer Foundation so you can lather up and feel really good about it.

Sun Hat

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Hats are so right now. Oh and they protect you from the sun but we are focusing more on how good they look! From wide brimmed sun hats to caps, we have all of them!

Make your lake time the best time by being prepared. You can knock everything off your list in one swoop here at McCoo’s; After all, we are your one stop shop!

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The forecast is showing nothing but blue skies and warm temps. It’s official, Spring 2016 is upon us and with Whistler Backcomb announcing it’s extended season, there is plenty of spring riding to be had.

Don’t be fooled, the sun can unforgiving and the temperatures can vary with altitude. In order to have the best time ever in the spring conditions, a dialled set up is required right down to your accessories and we are here to help you get outfitted with the spring riding must have’s!

Portable Speaker

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You never know when and where a party is going to happen when your with your homies on the hill and a party just isn’t a party with out music. The Spy Beacon is water-resistant, water bottle sized and best of all, portable. So be the DJ in the slack country, on the groomers or in the park.

Hat

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Protect yourself from the elements especially that spring sun and keep your long ski bum hair under wraps with a Hershel hat- Timeless and wallet friendly, they can take you from the hill to après!

Lip Chap

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This could be one of the most crucial parts of your spring riding set-up.  After the winter months of covering up from head to toe, the spring wind and the sun are not your lips friends. Avoid a serious case of a chapped kisser with hefty amounts of lip balm. Hurraw is about as pure as they come: vegan, raw, and organic!

Sunnies

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Goggles no longer need to be part of your on the hill repertoire unless your hell bent on rocking that goggle tan. Bring on the sunnies! Smith, Oakley, Spy- We have the brands that are sporting the latest technologies and look fresh.

Park Gloves

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Ditch the negative temp mittens and trade up for some park gloves. Keep your digits cool and protected with out all the unnecessary layers. Bonus: The thin layers make strapping in even quicker!

Vest

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Yes, it’s that time of the year when your mid layer can become your outer layer. A vest is a perfect way to keep warm but not too warm and to maximize your movement capabilities for all those slashes and rotations.

Spring skiing might just be one of the most fun times to be on the mountain, especially now that your outfitted for looking good, riding and hanging out. If you missing any of the above, be sure to stop in and get geared up so you can trade the freshies in for slushies and real good times.

 

 

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These are the people that inspire you to experience everything Whistler. From mountaineering to art fuelled by the mountains, these instagrams are sure to get you out and on your own adventure!

 

1. Eric Poulin

Snowboarder, photographer and a pharmacist, this guy can shred, document it and treat your cold. Epic pow shots and touring adventures into remote mountain ranges, Eric’s Instagram is one not to miss!

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Via Instagram/ @ericmpoulin

 

2. Ollie Jones

Professional mountain biker turned photographer turned snow junkie. Ollie takes each season to the extreme and can be seen maxing out whatever weather system is coming through. Sledding into the high alpine one day and shredding brown pow the next, watch Ollie take on the Sea to Sky Corridor!12767269_10153690874489342_1452662343_n

Via Instagram/ @olliegregoryjones

 

3. Kate Zessel

A local artist that looks to the mountains to inspire her art. When Kate isn’t creating wondrous works of art, she can be found ripping the resort or touring into the back country. If you seek the wild essence of Whistler, check out Kate’s Insta!

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Via Instagram/ @katezessel

 

4. Chelsea Sullivan

This badass babe is a mountaineer extraordinaire! First climbing up a mountain and then catapulting herself down, Chelsea explores all the nooks and cranny’s of Whistler’s mountain ranges. Want to get into expeditions? Be sure to watch Chelsea to learn a thing or two because she moonlights as a guide too!

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Via Instagram/ @chelseahsullivan

 

5. Evan Macalister

Ripper of Whistler Backcomb and always in search of new pow to shred. Evan’s Insta is loaded with unreal ski shots and videos. Get a sneak peak of where to ride through Evan!

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Via Instagram/ @kev.macc

To get a little motivation every day to get out and into the mountains, be sure to follow @mccooswhistler on Instagram as well!

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You can spend days, even weeks navigating the terrain on Whistler Blackcomb in search of the perfect run. You can read blog posts, online reviews and ask friends and family for their top picks but no one will provide you better advice than a Whistler local. And not just any Whistler local. Here at Mccoos Whistler our team is on the pulse of everything ski and snowboard. We know the mountains like the back of our hand and can navigate it with our eyes closed, backwards and shin deep in fresh pow. Mccoos was founded in 1987 by Whistler ski legends. If you want advice on anything related to Whistler Blackcomb, the team at Mccoos are the people to ask.

To make sure you have the best day possible on the mountain, our team thought we’d share our top picks for the best runs on Whistler Blackcomb.

Ry – Million Dollar Ridge

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If you’re looking for an off-piste option away from the crowds, Million Dollar Ridge is a local’s favourite. Ry loves the fresh face-shots and ultimate pow conditions. Since this one is just out-of-bounds you’ll want to make sure you’ve got a guide or are with experienced locals before exploring this back-country terrain.

Peter – The Family Zone

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So maybe not a double black, but the Family Zone is the place to be for families learning to ski or ride. Peter recommends the Family Zone to guests of the resort on a daily basis and says there is no better place on the mountain to practice your pizzas and French fries.

Ash – Peak to Creek

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If you’re craving some leg burning action then head to Whistler’s famous Peak to Creek run. This vertical expanses from Whistler’s peak to the Creekside Village and is 11km of pure excellence. The Peak to Creek has a variety of terrain and is a great place to race when groomed from top to bottom. The best part of the Peak to Creek according to Ash is Dusty’s Bar and Grill at the bottom, one of the best après ski spots in Whistler!

George – McConkeys

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George may be a bit biased when choosing McConkeys as his favourite run, it is named after his legendary ski family but we agree, it does credit a top pick. The McConkey family are a house-hold name in Whistler, George is one of the original founders of Mccoos and his father Jim (who the run is named after), was one of Whistler’s ski pioneers responsible for firmly establishing Whistler Mountain on the international stage.

Sarah – Callaghan Valley

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Downhill is not the only style of skiing Whistler is famous for. The Callaghan Valley, although not a run as such, is a utopia for cross country skiing and Nordic sports and is Sarah’s number one pick. The valley, which is located just south of Whistler, has 130km of terrain to explore by ski or snowshoe. The wilderness trails and stunning mountain scenery make the Callaghan Valley a well-deserved top pick.

Before heading to the mountain make sure to stop in at Mccoos and gear-up for adventure. The team at Mccoos would be happy to give tips and suggestions for your day and will ensure you are fully equipped for the adventures that lie ahead. Mccoos is located at the base of Whistler/Blackcomb and their sister store, Mccoos Too, is on the Village stroll. The best powder days always begin at Mccoos!

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Christmas is quickly approaching and if you still have shopping left to do for the mountain enthusiasts in your world, Mccoos has got you covered. We know Whistler lifestyle here at Mccoos, we have been serving the local population here since 1987 and have the best selection of gear in Whistler Village. Here are Mccoos top Christmas gift ideas this year.

For Your Lover of Fine Things…

My Package Underwear and Toque Special

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What man doesn’t love a good pair of underwear? Not only are My Package underwear good, they are the World’s Best Underwear. Gauranteed. With weekday, action, pro and weekend styles to choose from in a range of colours and patterns you cannot disappoint with My Package undies. Right now Mccoos is offering a special where you can buy a pair of My Package underwear plus a toque for $38!

For The Person Who Wants to be noticed…

Arcade Belts

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Arcade Belts are belts built different. They are comfortable, stretchy and just plain awesome. With tons of cool patterns to choose from and belts built specifically for play, work or both you can’t disappoint with this extremely practical yet surprisingly fun gift for the holidays.

For Your Adventure Junkie…

Action Base Layer

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Base layers don’t need to be boring! Action Base Layers have come out with a range of fun and funky patterns and designs so you can look cool in every layer of clothing this winter. For the adventure junkies in your life who love spending time on the mountain, a high quality base layer is a must. Ditch the boring duds and get them an Action Base Layer for Christmas this year.

For Your World Traveller…

Herschel Bags

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Made in Vancouver and sported around the world, Herschel Bags have revolutionized the way we carry stuff. Herschel Bags are artistically designed drawing inspiration from all corners of the globe. Not only are they a stylish accessory they are an absolute necessity for packing gear up, down and around the mountain.

For Your Star Warriors…

Star Wars Socks

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With the release of Star Wars The Force Awakens star warriors are coming out of the wood-works once again. Get the Star Wars fans in your life a pair of themed socks featuring favourites like Chewbacca, Darth Vador and R2-D2. Nothing says fun like a pair of Star Wars socks. Great stocking stuffers or presents for under the tree.

For Your Mountain Enthusiast…

Smith Goggles

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Smith Goggles are industry leaders in goggle technology featuring some of the most innovative designs enabling the highest performance on the mountain. Mccoos has Whistler’s largest collection of Goggles as well as the most equipped goggle repair shop in the Village. Give your Mountain Enthusiast a gift of high performance goggles this winter.

For Your Winter Warrior…

Toques

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Toques (or beanies for the Aussies) are a must-have winter accessory. We have a collection of toques in all shapes and colours- you can’t go wrong with a toque in the stocking this holiday season. Keep those noggins warm while cruising the pow this winter.

For Your Busy Body…

RipCurl Watches

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The busy bodies in your life will not be late for their next appointment or ski date with a Ripcurl Watch. Stylishly designed with colours and features, the watches look cool and have great functionality. Ensure your loved one is never late again with a RipCurl watch from Mccoos Too on the Village Stroll.

If you still have Christmas shopping to do- what are you waiting for? With these Christmas Gift Ideas you can get on down to Mccoos and start shopping! Check out our range of stocking stuffers and gifts for your loved ones this holiday season.

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Skis and boards waxed- check. Lift pass purchased- check. Snow falling- check. With the exciting opening of Whistler Mountain last week it is time to make sure all your gear and accessories are sorted for the upcoming season. Gearing up for adventure is all a part of the fun and here at Mccoos Whistler, we have been helping mountain enthusiasts look and play the part since 1987. The ski and snowboard industry is seeing great innovations in gear and technology. To keep you in the loop we have compiled a list of the hottest items to get your hands on this winter season.

A new generation of Goggles

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The world has just entered a new generation of goggles where condensation and flat, low contrast vision is a thing of the past. No longer are your goggles just an outerwear accessory they are now a device to help you record, film and monitor your speed and performance. This season look for goggles with Prizm technology- a new lens technology that allows you to see the snow and surroundings with precise and crisp detail. Also look for goggles that have Bluetooth and GPS integration enabling you to measure your speed, jump analytics, vertical, navigation and more. Mccoos has Whistler’s largest selection of goggles as well as the resort’s leading goggle repair shop. Upgrade your goggles this year and step into the future.

Go Pro built for Whistler

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If you don’t have an action camera yet what are you waiting for? The action camera market has been on the rise for several years now and the latest technology, design and functionality of cameras is state of the art. Our favorite action camera is the Go Pro Hero4 Sessions. This is a camera that was built for Whistler conditions. It is small, light-weight and completely waterproof without a case. There are plenty of additional accessories you can purchase like mounts, straps, wind-savers and more. Capturing your adventures on film is all a part of the fun. Make sure you add an action camera to your accessory list this year.

Boot liners with Intuition

Epic days on the mountain start with quality gear. Making sure your feet are comfortable, dry and supported is paramount for top performance. Intuition boot liners are the newest technology in ski and snowboard boots. The revolutionary liner heat molds to your feet giving you a customized fit for optimal power, control and performance. Mccoos has been the go-to place for boot-fitting ever since its inception nearly 30 years ago. Legendary George Mckonkey, who is recognized world-wide for his boot-fitting expertise, works at Mccoos (he was actually one of the original owners of the shop back in the 1980’s). Your feet are in expert hands at Mccoos- why go anywhere else?

The Year of the Helmet

Helmets have always been kind of a lame outerwear accessory. Don’t get us wrong. They are extremely important for obvious safety reasons, but practicality has been the only thing going-on for helmets for a long time. Well, not anymore. This year your choice of helmets is bigger than ever! At Mccoos we have a huge stock of helmets ranging in colour, design and functionality. Find a helmet that suits your taste and style this year. Finally helmets that express your style!

Whistler’s Home of Herschel

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If you haven’t heard of Hershel you must be living under a rock. Based in Vancouver, BC Hershcel is an International brand that has exploded in popularity over the last few years. With a huge selection of thoughtfully created bags and accessories all artistically designed, Herschel bags draw on inspiration from all corners of the world. At Mccoos we have Whistler’s largest collection of Herschel bags with loads of colours, patterns and designs to choose from. Herschel’s make a great bag for on the mountain or any type of travelling and adventuring you have in mind. Come by and check out our collection of Herschel and get your hands on this season’s hottest accessory.

So there you have it- Mccoos Hot List for the 2015/16 season. Make sure to stop in and see us before the mountain opens this year and get sorted with your gear and accessories. You can find us as the base of Whistler Mountain in Mountain Square and on the Village Stroll (our Ripcurl location). Wishing everyone an excellent winter season ahead! See you in the shop or on the slopes!

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It is hard to imagine that 50 years ago Whistler officially opened for its first winter season. What has now been named the #1 Ski Resort in North America a multitude of times (the first being in 1991) was not long ago a humble fishing destination called Summit Lake; the most popular summer fishing destination west of the Rocky’s. From the 1920’s until the 1970’s Rainbow Lodge on Alta Lake attracted people from all over Western Canada for its plentiful fish, modern hospitality and stunning location. The Pacific Great Eastern Railway opened Whistler to the outside world and the popular fishing destination became accessible from Vancouver in under a day.

It wasn’t until the 1960’s Whistler’s fate as a worldly acclaimed ski destination came into manifestation. In 1960 a group of Vancouver Businessmen formed Garibaldi Lifts Ltd. with the goal of creating an alpine ski mountain on what was then called London Mountain; at this time there was no road, no sewage and no electricity servicing Alta Lake at the base of the new mountain site. London Mountain was re-named Whistler Mountain in 1965 and the year after, Whistler Mountain opened for its inaugural season featuring a four person gondola, a double chair-lift, two T bars, a day lodge and several runs. At this time it was still a 5-6 hour journey from Vancouver on a single lane road but the arduous journey did not stop the world from experiencing Whistler and the legendary snow conditions it offered.

In 1978 construction began on Whistler Village, which was once the town dumpsite, and in 1980 Blackcomb Mountain opened for business featuring 5 triple chairs and 4067 ft. of vertical. Owned and operated by separate entities, Whistler was quick to come back by developing a series of new runs. The healthy competition between the two mountains saw a battle for supremacy and ultimately it was the customers who were privy to the latest and greatest runs, lifts and mountain upgrades. It wasn’t until 1997 that Whistler and Blackcomb merged to create one of the biggest and best mountain resort destinations in the world.

Now firmly established on the world stage as a must-visit winter destination, in 1999 the Whistler Mountain Bike Park opened offering a whole other world of mountain exploration in the summer months. In 2000 Creekside Village, the original base area, received a major facelift and it 2008 the Peak 2 Peak Gondola opened, a 4.4 kilometer expanse connecting Whistler and Blackcomb’s alpines together. The Peak to Peak smashed 3 world records: The longest unsupported span in the world, the highest lift of its kind in the world and the world’s longest continuous lift system. Not only did the Peak to Peak offer skiers and riders more accessibility in the winter months but it opened the alpine to hikers and sight seers in the summer months too.

The long-time vision of Whistler’s founders was finally realized in 2010 with the Winter Olympic Games. In the year’s leading up to the Olympics Whistler received upgrades such as the Whistler Olympic Park, Sliding Centre, Athlete’s Village, Olympic Plaza and a new highway connecting Whistler to Vancouver in under 2 hours. Although the Olympics has now come and gone, Whistler remains with these Olympic legacies and the residual benefits that come from hosting the Olympics continue to flow.

Mccoos Whistler has proudly been part of Whistler’s story since 1987 when Jeff Coombs and George McConkey had a hand written business plan and a dream to create a true local’s shop with a focus on service, selection and local relationships. Fast forward 28 years and Mccoos is still locally owned and is true to its core culture, values and products that were established back in the 80’s. Happy 50th anniversary Whistler/Blackcomb- glad we could be part of the story!

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It is always a bittersweet time of the year when swim suits and shorts get swapped for snow gear and sweaters. Long, lazy days at the lake and epic memories in the bike park begin to fade as anticipation for the winter season heightens. You want to make sure you are geared up for adventure as soon as the snow starts to fall, and Autumn is the perfect time to start preparing for the winter season. McCoo’s in Whistler has been around since 1987 and is the embodiment of everything Whistler. We stock everything a mountain enthusiast needs for a carefree mountain lifestyle or an adrenaline pumped season. Here are our carefully crafted tips and suggestions for planning your Whistler winter wardrobe:

Clothing

When in Whistler you want to look and feel the part. Mountain culture clothing is a unique style that expresses snow, fun, adventure and a laid-back lifestyle. Look for brands like Loose Riders, Fasthouse and Mons Royale. Essential pieces include a quality pair of pants, a warm hoodie and a few long sleeved shirts for underneath. Don’t forget a hat to top off the attire.

Outerwear

Your outerwear needs to get you from the lifts, to the runs and to the Apres, all while staying dry and comfortable. Buying quality outerwear is key for memorable days on the mountain. Look for durable, high performance jackets and snow pants. Ensure a waterproof rating of over 10,000mm and fully sealed seams which will guarantee the moisture stays out. Durable and quality apparel brands such as Rip Curl and Flylow will have you looking stylish while keeping you warm and dry at the same time. Layering is key to optimal comfort so don’t forget your base-layer underneath!

Accessories

Your winter wardrobe is not complete without your necessary winter accessories. You will need a good pair of gloves, a toque and some goggles at the very least. We have the largest selection of goggles in Whistler with staff specially trained to help you find the right pair (there really is a lot involved!). For extra chilly days on the mountain you may require a neck warmer or balaclava. Other accessories to consider include a helmet and backpack recommended for safety and practicality.

Gadgetry

For those who want to make some solid memories this winter, don’t be on the mountain without your action camera. Whether you want to create a high def film in the terrain park or simply capture your holiday to show friends and family make sure you have a GoPro camera on hand at all times. Outdoor Tech power banks and speakers will ensure the good times keep rolling.

Don’t be sad that summer is nearing an end. Be proactive and start planning your winter wardrobe while dreaming about the upcoming season. Come in and see us at McCoo’s in Whistler Village. We have helpful and friendly staff available to assist you in choosing the right gear and apparel plus quality brands and styles for all tastes.

 

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While we can’t improve your golf score, we can help improve your over all golfing experience. McCoo’s might not be your traditional golf store, but we’ve got the golfing necessities you need for your next game. Here are a few things we think you should bring along to your next game of golf for an extra good time.

First things first, the outfit. Our current line up of Oakley clothing doubles as street wear and golf wear. A shirt can that look the part and can perform for multiple activities is a shirt worth investing in. We’ve got plenty of shorts that you can rock on the fairway or in the bike park. So for the folks that like to do it all, get your Oakley get up here and wear it all day long.

The golf hat is a key accessory that any golfer will attest to. The Silicon Oakley Cap 2.0 in white will keep your head cooler by reflecting the sun and let it breath through the extremely breathable material.

The right eyewear is crucial to your comfort while golfing. Be sure to pack your sunnies or stop in to try on the new Oakley Prizm line up. The Prizm line offers a full line of sport specific sunglasses for busy bodies and serious athletes. For golf specific shades try on the Prizm Golf Flak 2.0 XL. Want more info on choosing the right shades for you? Check out our recent post: 4 Tips for Finding the Perfect Pair of Sunglasses.

The Suncloud Eye Retainer is a little accessory that will make you wonder what you ever did with out one! Pick up an eye retainer to keep those fancy new shades around your neck when they aren’t working hard to protect your eyes. It’s a game changer for the notorious sunglass “miss-placer”, “scratch-er” or “dropper”.

We would be silly to not mention sunscreen. Don’t head to the course with out some Sunbum sunscreen with an SPF protection rating of your choice.

What golfing necessity is the most fun? Your GoPro of course! GoPro’s all you to get up close and personal with your swing shots or nice and wide with your mountain view images. Our arsenal of GoPros, accessories and mounts can help you get the perfect shot.

Last but not least, don’t forget your beer cozy! We aren’t encouraging grabbing a beer for the cart, but if you do, you can have the most stylish one with one of our cozies!

We really do hope you score well, but at the very least we hope you’re comfortable in your stylish get up and gear from McCoo’s! Stop in to see what we are talking about and get ready for your next round in Whistler.

Local’s Only Hint: If you dig a casual approach to golf with a laid back vibe we recommend stopping by The Meadows at Pemberton for a round or two! We think our style and yours will be on par with their atmosphere.