Whistler Outerwear, Lifestyle Clothing & Adventure Gear

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Spring is just around the corner and that means that spring riding too! Bring on the longer days, sunshine, and Booterville sessions. But with the change in seasons, comes the need to change up your gear. Trust us. Wearing your usual winter attire can lead to excessive sweating, improper lenses, and even sunburns. So with a little planning, you can make the most of what’s left of the remaining season and spring riding.

Backpack

Hot one minute, cold the next. With the arrival of springtime, also comes varying temperatures. Ride with a backpack and be prepared to layer up or layer down at any point of the day. Your pack can also act as place to hold your sunscreen, shades, and of course, snacks!

Sunscreen

You can burn at any point of the year but obviously, when the sun is out the risk of getting a sunburn is higher. Protect your face with some SPF before hitting the slopes. It’s recommended to use a sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher for better protection and also, don’t skip out on the lip sunscreen either. Remember to reapply a couple of times during the day.

Gloves

Ditch the heavy duty gloves. There’s no need for them when the temperatures hover above zero as they will be too warm. Instead, opt for a lightweight glove that allows for dexterity and breathability. Light gloves will also provide just the right amount of protection from that sometimes sharp spring snow.

Sunglasses

Yup, we said it. Sunglasses! Throw a pair in your backpack for when you’re hanging out with buddies or getting to and from the hill. They will even come in handy during an impromptu après session or dance party at Glacier Lodge.

Action Cam

From parties on the hill to park sessions to après, you’re really going to want to capture all that can go down during a spring day on the mountain. Check out the new GoPro Hero 8 with HyperSmooth 2.0 stabilization, perfect for whatever ends up happening.

Goggles

It’s time trade in your cloudy, low light lenses for something better fitted for bright sun. Not only will this allow you to see, this lens change can also protect your eyes against squinting and the extra UV rays.

All time, springtime is coming in hot and we can’t wait for this part of the season. Be prepared for those Peak Parties, longer days, and beaming sunshine by spending a little time re-organizing your riding attire. For any questions, come stop into McCoo’s. Otherwise, happy spring shredding!

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We get it, you’re busy. Between work and shredding, who has time to research gear and technology? And with constant upgrades and advancements, when it comes time to making a purchase, it can be challenging to know what product is best for you. So, that brings us to the main point: what’s the deal with all the GoPro models? With so many new features and even old features, how does one navigate which one to get? We’ve made it simple and put all the required info in one place. So here is how you can find out which GoPro is best for you!

HERO7

  • 12MP + SuperPhoto With HDR
  • HyperSmooth Video Stabilizing
  • TimeWarp
  • Superview, Wide, Linear digital lenses
  • 720p Live streaming

HERO8

  • 12MP + SuperPhoto With Improved HDR
    • SuperPhoto applies HDR, local tone mapping or noise reduction. The Hero8 has an improved version of this.
  • Live Burst
    • Record the moments 1.5 seconds before and after your shot, so you can choose the best single frame for the perfect photo or a shareable video!
  • Frameless mounting with folding fingers
  • HyperSmooth 2.0 Video Stabilizing
  • Horizon Levelling with the GoPro App
    • Horizon levelling that provides a cinematic look.
  • 2.7K / 4K Bitrate
  • TimeWarp 2.0
    • Capture super stabilized time lapse videos while you move through an activity. TimeWarp adjusts speed based on motion, scene detection and lighting (automatically for HERO8 Black and in HERO Mode for MAX).
  • SuperView, Wide, Linear, Narrow digital lenses
  • Custom presets
  • Onscreen shortcuts
    • Customize your screen with the quickest way to find the features you use most.
  • Night lapse video
  • 1080p Live streaming

Both

  • 4K60 Video
  • Removable Battery
  • Waterproof up to 33ft (10m)
  • Touch screen
  • Voice control
    • Go hands-free with voice commands like “GoPro, take a photo.
  • Time lapse video
  • Wake-on voice
    • Use voice commands to turn on your GoPro or start recording (lasts 1 hour after powering off).
  • 8x Slow motion
  • Variety of compatible housing
  • GPS
    • GPS captures your location, altitude and speed.
  • Protune
    • Manually control colour, white balance, shutter speed and more.
  • Automatic cloud back-up
  • Advanced Metadata
    • Knows when you face the camera, smile and more. The GoPro app uses those details to handpick your best shots and create amazing videos.
  • Advanced wind reduction
  • Wifi + Bluetooth connectivity
  • GP1 Chip
    • GoPro-designed chip made to deliver next-level image quality and stabilization.

Still unsure of which GoPro model to get? Our staff at McCoo’s happen to be well-versed in action cams. Come in and let them help you make the final decison!

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If you’re anything like us, you’re always looking to improve on the mountain. And since it’s the start of a new year, there’s no better time to start levelling up. After all, better technique only leads to a higher quality of shredding and more of it for that matter. Floating through untouched powder on a crisp, bluebird day is one of the greatest feelings ever. To help you make the most of your time on the hill and develop your passion, here are some skiing tips for beginners, intermediates and experts!

For everyone…

Protect your skin – from the sun, wind and cold! Snow reflects the suns rays which is great for tanning but can also lead to a nasty burn and also skin damage. Cover up and layer on sunscreen that protects against all the elements.

Dress Code – You’re going to want to regulate your body temperature as well as stay dry. It is best to check the weather forecast every morning before you get dressed to make sure you have adequate layers and pack the right goggle lens for the light that day.

For Beginners…

Moving your skis – News flash, your skis are attached to your boots which should be on your feet. So if you turn your foot to the right then your ski will also turn to the right. It may seem that simple, but it will take some practice and getting used to.

For Intermediates…

Upper Body – Move your feet to turn your skis not your shoulders. Skis are fixed to your feet not arms so swinging your shoulders won’t turn your skis any faster and can throw your balance off.

Edging – Use your edges on your skis to gain control and for easier and sharper turns! To use your edges, simply roll your ankles and knees uphill as you flex down towards the end of the turn. This should roll your skis on to edge, giving you more grip.

For Experts…

Weight Distribution – Try to keep your weight central and evenly distributed across both skis. There is more resistance in powder, so you have to steer both skis through it – putting all your weight on the downhill ski (as you should on the piste!) gives your uphill ski the chance to trip you up in powder.

What’s Next…

Outfit yourself with the latest gear from McCoo’s so that you can enjoy your time on the mountain and work on your turns, pizzas, and of course, après!

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Most of us give underwear a mere second of our time. It seems way less important than outerwear, after all, it’s not braving the elements. And it’s definitely less important than protective gear. That stuff saves lives. However, we’d like to bring to the table that moment three-quarters of the way through a mountain bike ride, when things are rather sweaty. Yes, that moment when you’d like to peel off all of your clothes, yes, all of them, and let the breeze do some cooling. We’ve all been there and that moment is precisely why your underwear deserves more attention and why technical underwear is a must have. In case you need more convincing, read on!

Material

Breathability is all the rage these days and there is a reason why. Most of our beloved activities involve sweating and consequently, having a soggy bottom just goes with the territory. With technological advances, fabrics can now assist in moisture management. Nylon, wool, and synthetic hybrids are replacing Mom’s good ol’ cotton. So let your tushy bask in super soft, warm, breathable and odour resistant knickers while staying dry.

Fit

We’ve all got our preferences-boxers, briefs, bikini cut, etc. Whilst style is personal, fit is universal. You want your underwear to fit tight enough that they’ll stay put and not sag or rub, but not so tight that they’re pinching or discouraging breathability. Also, watch for coverage. Bunching or opportunities for fabrics to ride up into unnecessary places can result from improper coverage.

Abrasion

Speaking of bunching, abrasion is something we weekend warriors and athletes alike are concientious of. No one wants to deal with chafing while trying to perform. Look for technical underwear that has minimal stitching, a waist band that stays put and fabric that moves with you, not against.

Underwear deserves more thought and hopefully after reading this, you’ll be onboard with technical underwear. With so many brands to choose from, fabrics, and fits, there’s no excuse. For all your technical unerwear needs, come by McCoo’s. We’re happy to chat about what works for you down under!

 

 

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Did you know that Whistler is home to 7 lakes? And surrounding the town are even more. This factor along with others could make Whistler a paddle boarders dream location. But where to start and what to bring on your SUPing adventure? We’ve got the lowdown on where to paddle board and how to be prepared to enjoy being out on the water.

River Of Golden Dreams

If you’re feeling like a National Geographic expedition, the River Of Golden Dreams is for you. This 3 hour adventure might just includ beaver sightings, fish jumping, and all sorts of stunning flora.

MUST BRING: A Ripcurl My Bikini to soak up the rays while you paddle down the river.

Alta Lake

The second biggest lake in Whistler, there will be tons of nooks and crannies to explore. What’s more, you might even end up crashing one of the infamous barge parties.

MUST BRING: A Corcksicle tumbler for your *cough* juice.

Logger’s Lake

The warmest of all the lakes, Logger’s Lake is heated from underneath by volcanic activity. Don’t be deterred by the short hike to get to this lake, it’s well worth the trek to get to it. If you’re feeling bold, try the rope swing!

MUST BRING: Sunbum sunscreen to protect your skin while you float through the warm water. 

Green Lake

Green Lake is the coldest of all the Whistler lakes as well as the largest. You’ll be able to spend a whole day wondering around its green waters. Be sure to visit the ghost town on the East shores. It can get chilly, so bundle up!

MUST BRING: A Mons Royale base layer to stay warm against the cool breeze.

Mile One Lake

Mile One Lake is located just south of Pemberton. It’s small but has a sandy shore to take a rest on.

MUST BRING: Oakley PRIZM sunglasses so that you can enjoy views of Mount Currie without the sun in your eyes. 

Lost Lake

Located right next to Whistler Village, Lost Lake is a favourite among tourists and locals alike. The warm waters, sandy shores, and easy access are just a few of it’s desirable qualities.

MUST BRING: An Outdoor Tech portable speaker for bringing tunes along on your paddle. 

Paddle boarding and Whistler go hand in hand. If you need the right gear for this adventure, come and stop by McCoo’s, we’re here to help you gear up for good times!

 

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There’s a number of pieces of gear that are obvious when it comes to mountain biking: Knee pads, elbow pads, helmet, and goggles. In addition to these, us mountain bikers usually gravitate towards clothes that allow us to move. But what about what we’re putting on our feet? Many of us don’t think that we need cycling specific socks, and if you don’t, you’re right. However, cycling specific socks have a number of details that can make your foot all that more comfortable when you’re riding. Here’s what you might be missing out on.

Wick Away Sweat

It’s no secret that mountain biking is a sweaty sport. You’re pushing yourself hard, especially during the spring, summer, and fall months when temperatures are high. As a result, your feet, among other body parts, are going to sweat. Wearing socks that are made of a moisture wicking fabric can help keep your feet dry. As an added benefit, these fabrics are often anti-microbial, meaning they are less prone to being smelly!

Tight Fit

There’s no room for loose garments in cycling. Loose clothing can be a hazard. It can get caught on bars, your seat or even worse, your chain. Tight socks are not only safer, they are healthier for your feet. The tight fit can support your arch and act as a compression sleeve.

Sock Height

The height of your cycling socks is a matter of preference. That being said, most mountain bikers opt for a sock that is higher than ankle height. This feature can act as a barrier between you and possible hazards. These hazards include your pedals, bugs, rocks, and plants that could be a skin irritant.

Breathability

The fabric that cycling and performance socks are made of boosts breathability and comfort. Breathability is important as it can prevent chaffing which in turn can lead to blisters. The fabrics commonly used are synthetic materials like nylon or polyester or natural fibers such as merino wool. Additionally, this feature helps keep your feet cool, dry, and not to mention, less smelly.

McCoo’s has a wide selection of cycling specific socks. If you’re still not sold on why socks should be part of your mountain biking kit, come on into the store to see the variety of socks we have in stock. Once you add this into what you’re wearing when you ride your bike, you won’t go back. We can put our foot on it!

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Goggles are arguably one of the most important pieces of gear you could have. They can easily make or break a day on the hill and can cause dire consequences if malfunctioning. If they are so important, how come so many of us sacrifice for the ones that look the best or have the best price tag? This is often because the time when you need goggles usually means you’re about to go up the hill. Consequently, you’re in a rush. Take it from the staff at McCoo’s, shopping for goggles can be fun and pay off in the long run when you have the visibility you need, in varied conditions. To help you on your journey, here are some tips for choosing the right ski goggles.

Ask Questions

There are so many different products and features out there that it can be hard to choose on your own. Ask our staff as many questions as you need so that you know what goggles have the technology that you’re looking for.

Choose The Lenses That Work For You

Before going into the store, think about where you usually ski or ride: Are you hitting the park? Touring? Lapping groomers or shredding moguls? Also, consider what time of day you usually ride and if you are interested in switching lenses depending on the light.

Asking yourself these questions will help you determine what tint will provide a good combination of colour definition, contrast, depth perception and eye fatigue protection, all with the right visible light transmission (VLT) for your specific needs.

Learn About The Technology

Ah, good ol’ science. It’s helping many brands develop styles and technology that help to maintain visibility in even the most terrible conditions. Before you come to the store, nerd out a bit on what features brands are currently offering. Or, be prepared to get your very own science lesson when you come in. Upgrades in scratch-resistant coating, anti-fogging, colour contrast and even built-in GPS are just a few of the developments being seen in models on the market.

Try Them On

Goggles are like a pair of shoes: they might look good but they might not fit how you want them to. Don’t be shy, try on every pair. Bring your helmet and take the time to adjust the strap. Make sure that the goggles fit snuggly on your cheek bones and don’t inhibit your peripheral vision.

If you have any questions, which, we’re sure you do, come on down and let our staff help you find the best goggle for you.

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Maybe you’ve given someone a sideways glance as they’ve pulled out the latest goggles or perhaps you are the owner of a brand new GoPro Hero 7. Whatever your choice in adventure gear, there’s always room for luxury items. After all, when in nature, a little bit more goes a long way. Maybe you’re racing to the stores to get the newest gadgets, or perhaps, you’re already rocking next seasons colours, just how extra are you when it comes to luxury adventure gear?

If it just came out, you probably already own it.

Everyone is raving about the latest gear announcement. But let’s face it, that’s already old news in your eyes. You know a guy, that knows a guy, that got the brand new gear item to you before it was released to stores. Obviously.

Luxury Item: GoPro Hero 7

New technology? Time for an IMMEDIATE upgrade.

“That is so last season,” might be one of your favourite sayings. As soon as there is a technology advancement, you have to have it. Of course, it doesn’t matter if the old one worked fine and was only a few months old, it’s a matter of principle, people!

Luxury Item: Spyoptic ACE EC, featuring electrochromic ONE Lens™ technology.

3 in 1, does it all? It’s in your backpack.

Ugh. No one has time for fumbling through a bag, looking for that single item to do that specific task. As if. No, your items do it all. Battery pack and a flashlight, all-in-one? That’s right, it’s in your bag.

Luxury Item: Outdoor Tech Kodiak Mini Ultra

You’re always the warmest on the mountain.

You can brave all the elements because you have whatever it takes to be in your own self contained, temperature controlled climate. Heated boots, CHECK! Merino wool base layer, CHECK! If it keeps you toasty, you’re buying it in doubles, no, even triples.

Luxury Item: Mons Royale Merino Wool base layer and socks. 

Skincare is a must.

Goggle tan? Not for you. Chapped skin? That’s not in your vocabulary. You like to take the initiave and prevent your skin from suffering from the conditions. That way, you always look good.

Luxury Item: X-Treme Organics Winter Balm

If you can relate to all of the above, chances are, you’re extra when it comes to your adventure gear. Don’t worry, our friendly staff at McCoo’s can help you stay on top and always be rockin’ the most luxurious gear on the market.

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We’ve all been there. Your phone dies just when you need it the most. It could be right before you’re supposed to meet a friend or worse case, an emergency. No matter when it turns off, it’s an inconvenience. While it’s not possible to completely stop your battery from draining, you can substantially decrease how fast it depletes. Here are some tips to help you save phone battery life while on the mountain.

Avoid Extreme Temperatures

According to Apple, extreme temperatures can play a role in draining your phone’s battery while on the hill and can even cause permanent damage. To prevent your phone from being exposed to cold temperatures, refrain from taking it out while on the chair and keep it close to your body for heat.

Use Airplane Mode

Switch your phone into airplane mode to prevent it from constantly searching for a signal. Whistler Blackcomb does have good service range but there are some areas where your phone might work extra hard for that one bar.

Turn on Low Battery Mode

Turning your phone to low battery mode reduces the amount of power that it uses when the battery gets low. This should prolong what little power you have left.

Dim Your Screen

Adjusting the brightness of your screen can have a huge effect on your phone’s battery life. Dim it when you know you’re going to be away from a charger for an extended period of time.

Be Smart About Your Battery Usage

Uploading that photo to Instagram might have to wait. Many apps drain battery life. You can check which apps are the culprits under settings and in the battery section. If some are worse than others, it might be time to delete them.

Turn off Push Notifications

Push notifications are an apps way of waving at you and also a huge power drain. Stop your home screen or lock screen from lighting up every few minutes by turning off push notifications.

Stop Location Services

Once again, those pesky apps are stealing your battery life. You can optimize your battery life by turning off location services in your apps.

Turn off Push Notifications

Stop your home screen or lock screen from lighting up every few minutes by turning off push notifications.

Know Your Charge Stations

Whistler Blackcomb has many charging stations that can provide you with a little boost should you be running low. Guest Services at Skiers Plaza and the Roundhouse are just to name a few.

Power Up

If you’re planning on spending the day on the mountain and know you’re going to be using your phone, bring up a battery pack. We would suggest one of Outdoor Technologies many battery packs that come with multi-function options such as a speaker or flashlight.

If you have any questions about using your phone on the mountain and related gear, come in and speak to the experts at McCoo’s. Your one-stop shop for adventures.

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We’ve been waiting long and hard for the start of the season. Counting down the days in fact. Our gear has been sitting beside the door ready to go. Has yours? Gearing up last minute can lead to missing key pieces and ultimately put a kink in enjoying the first few days fo the season. Ride with ease and eliminate any unnecessary stress by gearing up with our handy Opening Weekend Checklist.

Goggles

You don’t want to leave this item behind. Sunny, windy, you name it. You’re going to need to see through every type of conditions, making goggles extremely important.

McCoo’s Recommendation: The Spy Ace Snow Goggle with the Happy Lens.

Action Cam

You’ll want to catch every first. First bails, first face shots, first après! Make sure your action cam is on your helmet or on a handheld gimble and ready to capture all the moments.

McCoo’s Recommendation: GoPro Hero 7.

Gloves

It’s no secret that ski gloves might be one of the most essential pieces of equipment in your pack. If you leave yours at home, you might as well not even go up the gondola. Well-fitted gloves provide greater dexterity, warmth, and comfort allowing you to ride all day long.

McCoo’s Recommendation: Hestra Army Leather Patrol Mittens.

Base Layer

The real secret to staying warm is having the right base layer. Forget wearing yesterdays sweatpants or even just your unmentionables. Believe it or not, you need fabric that can wick away sweat and breathe. That’s where Merino Wool comes in.

McCoo’s Recommendation: Mons Royale Merino Wool Yotei Tech LS Jersey

Outer Wear

It’s tough to leave these key pieces of your gear at home but never say never. If you did, you might just have left the house without pants. Stay warm and dry with the right outer wear. It’s also a bonus if you look good and can go right from the hill to après.

McCoo’s Recommendation: RipCurl Rebound Fancy Jacket and Pants. 

Battery Pack

Losing your riding buddy right before après is the worst! Don’t miss a beat because your phone is dead. Make sure your battery pack is charged and ready to keep you connected.

McCoo’s Recommendation: Outdoor Technology Kodak Ultra Battery Pack.

We’ve been ready for this weekend since closing day last year. You’ll be ready too with our handy Opening Weekend Checklist. If you left gear on the kitchen table, pop by the shop. We’ve got what you need to gear up for any Opening Day adventure.