Whistler Outerwear, Lifestyle Clothing & Adventure Gear

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How Long Should Gear Last

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How Long Should Gear Last

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Being comfortable in your gear could be the difference between the best day ever and the worst. And sometimes, it takes time to work that beloved jacket or pants into the point of fitting you in all the right places. Now, those favorite ski boots or even long underwear may be nearing the end of its life and it could be sooner than you think. Just how long should gear last?

Ski Socks-Approximately 1 year depending on the brand

According to Smartwool, their socks should last a year if the washing directions and fit are properly executed.

Tips to prolong life:

  • Avoid wearing on the carpet.
  • Do not use fabric softener.

Helmet- 1 Impact

This is debatable but generally speaking, if you have taken an impact on your helmet, experts suggest it’s time for a new one. This is because most helmets are designed to only withstand a certain amount of force in order to perform optimally

Tips to prolong life:

  • Don’t crash on your head. Duh.
  • Store away from factors that can alter the effectiveness of the materials. This includes heat and extreme cold.

Outerwear- Anywhere from a season to a lifetime

How long your outerwear lasts depends on how often it is being used, how well you take care of it and the material that it is made out of. Current technologies can see Gortex jackets lasting years and years, even lifetimes in some cases.

Tips to prolong life:

  • Wash them. Really it’s okay. The sweat and beer will degrade the waterproofing faster than an occasion spin cycle.

Goggles- A really long time

Goggles can last a really long time but that really depends on the quality purchased and the level of care given to maintain them.

  • When you get snow in your goggles, don’t brush it off with a jacket sleeve or glove. Snow is made with abrasive ice crystals that can actually scratch the lenses. Use a special cloth.

Ski Gloves- A season

Your gloves take quite the beating and it can be hard to maintain the durability as well as the waterproofness of the fabric.

  • Hang dry them out after each use.

Most ski gear can last more than a season but the key is to take really good care of it. With these helpful tips, you should be able to prolong the life of some of your most beloved items. If you’re finding that some of your gear needs an upgrade, come to McCoo’s. We can help sort you out so you won’t have to live through another ‘breaking in’ period and can go right to into wearing the most comfortable gear ever!

 

The Do’s And Don’ts Of Crankworx Whistler

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The Do’s And Don’ts Of Crankworx Whistler

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Over the years, Crankworx has established itself as the party…cough…festival of the summer season. For ten days, mountain bikes, music and art take over the village with people travelling from all over to enjoy the revelry. Wether you’re taking part in one of the many races, events or cheering on the athletes from the sidelines, there is a proper way to do Crankworx. Here are the do’s and don’ts of Crankworx Whistler for maximum fun!

DO wear sunscreen

If you are watching any of the events, make sure you have fully slathered yourself in sunscreen. There is little cover from the elements and you wouldn’t be the first to come away with a sun burn!

McCoo’s suggests Sunbum sunscreen. It protects against all the rays and doesn’t contain any hidden ingredients. 

DON’T forget an external battery

Your going to need all the battery power you can get to snap, insta story and upload to Facebook. There’s just too much action going on and it would be tragic if friends did see all the fun that you’re having!

McCoo’s suggests the Outdoor Tech Kodiak 2.0 power bank that boasts 6000 mAh of charge capacity!

DO bring sunglasses

Squint and you may miss a triple tail whip!

McCoo’s suggests Oakley polarized sunglasses with PRIZM technology which fine-tunes vision for specific sports and environments.

DO wear proper footwear

Getting to the best spot to view a Crankworx event often means walking and having the proper footwear will get you there safely.

McCoo’s suggests Reef Sandals or People Shoes for footwear that is both functional and stylish. 

DON’T carry your belongings in your pockets

You’ll be walking up hills, sitting on grassy knolls and probably ending up at a party or two when the events are all over. Putting your personal belongings in pockets is just asking for it. Smarten up and use a backpack!

McCoo’s suggests a stylish Herschel Backpack with enough room to carry water and snacks. 

DO bring an action cam

Make an edit of your Crankworx shenanigans or use an action cam to capture the most insane tricks that you’ve ever seen!

McCoo’s suggests a GoPro with the Karma Grip for smooth shots. 

DO wear a hat

As mentioned, it won’t be easy to find shade or cover from the blazing sun at many of the events. Bring a hat to protect yourself from the heat and ward off a case of sun stroke.

McCoo’s suggests a straw Coal sunhat.

The festival of the summer season is just around the corner. With these helpful tips, you are sure to have a memorable time. Need help getting outfitted for all the action? Stop by McCoo’s!

Why You Need A Power Bank

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Why You Need A Power Bank

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We’ve all been there before, your waiting on a text from someone important, your favourite song is about to drop or your relying heavily on google maps and then the unbelievable happens: Your phone dies. Only a few short years ago this would mean running into every establishment asking if they had a certain phone cord and if you could hang out at the bar while it charges. Not anymore, portable power banks are here. Before we get into why you need a power bank, let’s chat about what they even are.

The Technology

We’re not going to get all Bill Nye on you and lecture about how batteries work in case you’re interested, here is a summarized version: Power banks are comprised of a special battery in a special case with a special circuit to control power flow. They allow you to store electrical energy (deposit it in the bank) and then later use it to charge up a mobile device (withdraw it from the bank).

Types On The Market

  1. Universal Power Bank: These come in many sizes and varieties which can be tailored to your device requirements and to your budget.
  2. Blue Tooth Enabled Power Bank: Looking to run speakers and connect your music? This style of power bank is for you.
  3. Solar Charged Power Bank: These power banks have panels that can trickle-charge the internal battery when placed in sunlight. It’s known to not be as fast but hey, it’s eco-friendly and we like that.

How Many Charges Does A Power Bank Hold

This is a loaded question. You see, power banks come in all sizes and power bank capacities (this is the nerd term for “how much charge”). The power bank capacity should be stated on the packaging of your power bank but the power requirements of the device requiring the charge are not. So how many times a device (phone, tablet, computer, etc) can be charged cannot be accurately determined. This all being said, you should be able to get a few full phone charges of out of one power bank before it needs to be re-charged itself.

And finally…

Why You Need A Power Bank

There are a number of life moments that really can’t be missed as a result of your phone being flat. We’ve gathered a few to showcase when a power bank would really come in handy…

  1. Matched with Tinder dream girl/guy
  2. Sent a message to the wrong person.
  3. Need to check your bank balance to see if one more beer is possible.
  4. Phone flashlight required for navigating stairs.
  5. Going to be late for work.
  6. Lost all your homies while shredding the mountain.
  7. Being chased by a bear and require assistance.
  8. Your friend has lost their phone at Garfinkels and would like you to call it.
  9. The music at the party sucks and you know your playlist is way better.
  10. Directions to that little corner of Emerald that you never even knew existed.

If you’ve decided that a portable power bank is something you need in your life, just come on by McCoo’s, we’ll sort you out.

Making Friends On The Chairlift

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Making Friends On The Chairlift

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Sure, skiing solo has its perks- you can ride at your own pace, go wherever you like and listen to tunes as you fly down but we all know that the more, the merrier applies on the hill. Sometimes your friends can’t make it or they want to partake in some of the other activities that Whistler has to offer and that leaves you in a sticky situation if you would rather ride with a crew. Never fear, there is a place that you can meet shred buddies as easy as getting a date on Tinder: The Chairlift. We are going to let you in on a few secrets that will make you an expert in the art to friend finding on the chairlift.

Step One: The Singles Line

Think about how many lifts you ride in a single day and how many potential opportunities arise to meet a riding pal. Now… we know you may not like this but the Singles Line lets you get more laps in thus scientifically increasing (we won’t bother showing you the algorithm) your chance tenfold to buddy up!

Step Two: Eavesdrop

Once you’re on the lift, you don’t want to be that awkward, chatty Kathy. Take a few moments and suss out your comrades. Are they talking about the snow quality and throwing down lingo like shred, gnar, drop? If so, you know you are among your people and the rest should follow naturally.

Step Three: Ask Where Everyone Is From

A great and easy way to initiate conversation is to ask where everyone is from. It’s light conversation and most people have no problem partaking in whether they are a local, happy tourist or pro. From here, you can dive into some more titillating conversation topics such as:

• Snow
• What run’s they have been riding
• Snow
• Equipment and gear
• Snow
• More about snow

Step Four: Boast About Your Rad Day

Don’t brag, just casually suggest that you found untouched pow and lines so deep you nearly drowned. This will surely spark their interest and have them keen to follow you around for some laps.

Step Five: Be Brave And Ask

Now that you have their attention, you can drop the big guns. Ask your fellow chairlift riders if they want to join you in the search for even more pow, some pillow popping, drop sending kind of runs.

Alright, we’ve got your foot in the door but now it’s all up to you to show them your skills and sick outerwear! Missing the last part of that sentence? Okay, okay…we can help you in that department too, just stop by McCoo’s!

 

How to Solve Cold Hands

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How to Solve Cold Hands

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We’ve all been there. It’s clear blue sky after a dumping of fresh snow and the temperature is well into the negative. You get on the chair and by the time you reach the top, your hands are so cold that they hurt. It’s an unfortunate reality of being on the hill but that doesn’t mean you have to let cold hands put a damper on your day.

When your body gets cold, it reduces blood to the extremities in an effort to keep vital organs warm and functioning. It’s a natural response and generally isn’t cause for concern but it can cut your day short or even cause damage if the temperatures are cold enough. Luckily, there are a number of things to do that can solve having cold hands on the mountain!

Stop It Before It Starts

Let’s get this straight- Once your hands are cold, there is no going back. Even the most expensive gloves can’t warm already cold hands. In order to prevent them from getting to that point, you have to nip heat loss in the butt! Hands lose heat fast because they have blood vessels close to the surface. Wearing a thin liner underneath your gloves will keep them toasty but be very careful with this option as it can compromise breathability- then your back at square one!

Protect Your Core

As mentioned, if your body gets cold then your hands are going to be the first victim. By preventing your core from feeling the freeze, you can reduce your chances of suffering from cold hands. A proper base layer and mid layer are crucial- heck, just layer and the insulation will do it’s job. Also, don’t forget the power of snacks. A fed body will have the fuel to fight the cold and the very act of digestion can give off energy.

Gloves

Gloves are the most obvious solution to keep the cool temperatures out and choosing the right ones for your needs can take it one step further. Here are a few things to take into consideration when purchasing protection for your frigid fingers:

  • Mittens are warmer than gloves but you sacrifice dexterity.
  • Down is the best insulator and is known for being light and breathable. However, synthetic insulation dries a lot faster and can be more cost effective.
  • One word: Gore-Tex. This is the Grade A of fabrics since it is both breathable and water proof!

No one likes cold hands and there are many options that can drastically improve your chances of making it through even the coldest of temperatures. Still not sure how to personally solve the age old problem of cold hands on the ski hill? Come in and speak to our staff, your digits will thank you!

 

Opening Day Checklist

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Opening Day Checklist

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Drumroll please…

The countdown has officially began to Whistler Blackcomb’s 2016/2017 opening day weekend!

Yes, we know it is very exciting, in fact, we can hardly contain ourselves but first thing is first: the nearing of opening day means that it’s time to assess your current winter gear. A beginning of the season assessment can prevent many annoying or even disastrous issues that may kill your good vibe on November 24th when the mountain opens. While you twiddle your thumbs in anticipation, take a peak at our opening day checklist to make sure your gear is ready for another season of fun.

Goggles

Everyone knows that not being able to see can instantly ruin your day. Have a peak at your current eye wear and make sure there are no scratches obstructing your vision and that they still have anti-fogging capabilities. Older goggles tend to not have the current technologies that help fight fog and light changes. Not sure if your’s pass the test? Include a back up pair in your pack on opening day.

McCoo’s Tip: Having problems with your goggle always fogging up? Keep moving!

Base Layer

Baby, it can get cold outside! Like real cold! Don’t cut your day short because you can’t brave the current weather conditions. Make sure that your current base layer is in good condition, free of tears and provides the necessary coverage to keep you warm and dry.  If you find a tear, patch it up, or just pop in to McCoo’s for the latest base and mid-layer technology.

McCoo’s Tip: The term “base layer” also includes your underwear (don’t worry, we got you covered).

Outerwear

Outerwear isn’t just for looking good. It’s your primary defence against mother nature. Thoroughly examine last year’s jacket and pants for zippers that aren’t working, tears and excessive wear in high movement areas such as the elbows and the bottom. If needed, apply a waterproof wash and don’t forget to empty the pockets. Reaching in and finding that sandwich from 2015 is great way to stop the ski stoke with an emergency hand wash.

McCoo’s Tip: Ask any of our staff members to help you determine what you may need in outwear, there is often more variables than you may think.

Gloves

Mittens and gloves may seem like they are easy to assess but in fact, the obvious holes that can lead to heat escaping are just the beginning. One of the biggest concerns is waterproofing. You can jump the gun and wear them out in the rain but this isn’t very practical. Bring them out on the first day and have a back up pair ready just in case they get soaked through on the first run.

McCoo’s Tip: Mittens are warmer than gloves but you sacrifice dexterity as a result.

Boots

After spending the summer season on the shelf, your ski boots might not feel like they once did on your seasoned winter feet. Stick those bad boys on and step into your bindings. Then take a peak at the current condition, are they in good shape? Are the buckles and soles in tacked? If you notice any loose pieces, damage or change in fit, take them to your local boot repair shop to get them tuned and ready to go.

McCoo’s Tip: Looking for a little assistance on ski boot fit? Bring them into our shop. Our seasoned staff members can help guide you to finding a solution.

Although it may seem like certain pieces of your set up are more crucial than others, there is no most important item of gear, they all play an essential role in keeping you on the hill and out of the lodge. Have some gear that didn’t make it through our opening day checklist? Stop by the shop, we can help you get ski season ready!

The 5 Bags You Need in Whistler

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The 5 Bags You Need in Whistler

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Whistler has four distinct seasons, each with its own weather and sports to enjoy. Cross over is key in gear so you can get the most of it, so we’ve come up with the 5 bags you need in Whistler to accommodate almost all sports and seasons.

Ski Bag

Whether you are pounding out laps on the chairlift all day, venturing into the backcountry or getting a heli drop into a gnarly line, you’ll need a ski pack for your winter outings. When searching for the perfect ski bag think about if the majority of your winter will be on the resort, in the backcountry or a mix of both. If the backcountry is your playground, purchasing an avalanche float pack might be the best decision you’ve ever made. Some float packs have a removable portion so it can be worn as a regular pack as well. McCoo’s has a large selection of different capacity bags geared towards your favorite type of skiing. Making sure your gear fits in your new bag is key, so feel free to bring your gear shopping with you to make sure it fits into the bag you’ve been eying, with room to spare! If you’re more of a resort cruiser, we’ve got plenty of smaller options for you too!

Beach Bag

Summer living means plenty of days at the beach. Beach bags come in all shapes and sizes, so pick one that will hold all of your beach necessities. We’ve got you covered with a separate blog post about beach bag essentials to make sure you’re ready for a summer filled with lake days.

Camping Pack

Whistler has endless places to escape for a night, or a week of camping by foot or by car. With so many options it’s nice to have a camping pack that can handle it all. A minimum of 35L is recommended for overnight camping to allow adequate room for your sleeping bag, tent, food, water and other camping supplies. The longer the trip, the bigger the pack should be. It’s important to be fitted for your pack as well. Most camping packs come in sizes based on your body frame, so keep that in mind to get the pack with the perfect fit for you. Another camping pack tip is to look for a pack with more than one point of entry so that if you pack something at the bottom you can get to it with out unpacking the whole bag. Bags with outside straps are great for hauling a tent on the outside as well.

Day Pack

Your daily backpack will be the most well used packs in your quiver, so choose wisely. Invest in this bag, as it will be the pack you wear for the most missions. This pack should have room for the essentials and then some so that it can accommodate a variety of activities with out too much bulk. Ideally your backpack will with stand dusty bike rides, day hikes and even an impromptu snowshoe adventure with ease.

Multi-purpose Bag

Heading to the gym? A sleepover at a friends? Maybe out for some sight seeing? This is the bag you’ll need at your side, or on your back. We are especially loving the variety of bags for both guys and gals by Herschel Supply Co bags right now. This bag doesn’t need to be a heavy-duty pack, but it should be something you’re ready to grab for all your random outings.

McCoo’s has you covered year round for all your bag needs. We love to see you play in our beautiful backyard, so we’ll set you up with the right bags so you can make the most out of every season. Come see our brand and product selection in stores and then get busy exploring!

7 Items Found in Every Whistler Closet

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7 Items Found in Every Whistler Closet

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There are a lot of things you won’t find in a Whistler closet.

High heels, for instance, don’t tend to do well in snow, dirt, and puddles. You’d be hard-pressed to find a suit (business, that is) that was purchased in the last 10 years.

But there are few key items that you could probably find in just about every closet in town. These are the Whistler staples. Some are practical, others are aesthetic – either way, they’re important ingredients for perfecting the mountain lifestyle. Here are some of our favourite Whistler must-haves.

A Low Light Lens

McCoos-Whistler-Goggles

Bluebird days in Whistler are awesome, but we’re notorious for our low light days on the mountain. Every Whistlerite knows that having the right goggle lens makes a huge difference: a low light lens will help you see in tricky conditions. And when you’re hucking it off a cornice or dodging trees, it’s good to be able to see.

A Good Toque

toques

Toque, beanie, whatever you want to call it, every Whistler resident owns a toque – or, more realistically, dozens of them. Wear them underneath your helmet, waiting for the bus, at work when you haven’t had time to wash your hair… heck, wear them out for a formal dinner. Consider your toque an extension of your physical body.

GoreTex

We live in the coastal rainforest – it’s going to get wet.

Our heavier snow is great because it sticks to stuff, giving us great coverage, but it can also get you soaked. Waterproof fabrics like GoreTex are essential parts of the Whistler kit.

The Perfect Flannel

flannel

Once you’ve found the perfect flannel shirt, you’ll quickly realize that it is suitable for each and every occasion you’ll ever come across. Flannels are comfortable, but they still look sharp (hey, there are buttons and a collar!) You’re in the mountains – it’s okay to embrace the mountain man look.

Boots That Fit

Had to cut the day short because your ski boots were torturing your feet? Rookie mistake. Everyone in Whistler knows that it’s worth investing in a good pair of ski boots that have been properly fitted to your foot (hey – isn’t McCoo’s known for being the best at that?)

When you realize that you’ll spend more time in your ski boots than any other footwear, it’ll all make sense.

A Full Quiver

McCoos Skis

No one in Whistler just has skis. They have rock skis for early season conditions, pow skis for when Ullr is feeling extra generous, park skis for those bluebird spring day sessions, cross country skis for when they want to work on their cardio (that includes both classic skis and skate skis)…

As they say, variety is the spice of life. Living in Whistler, it’s impossible not to accumulate a set of skis for every potential condition.

A Frolf Disc

It’s not Frisbee, it’s not golf – it’s frolf. A favourite Whistler pastime involves heading into the woods to one of our awesome frolf courses and tossing the disc for a few hours with some buddies. Frolf is the perfect laid-back way to enjoy a sunny afternoon outdoors. You can guarantee that there’s a frolf disc tucked away somewhere in every front hall closet in Whistler.