Whistler Outerwear, Lifestyle Clothing & Adventure Gear

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Buying The Perfect Hat

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Buying The Perfect Hat

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We can almost see summer from where we stand and it’s looking HOT! Many if the experts suggest covering up to reduce sun exposure and we have to agree but for a different reason. Not only are hats pretty much one of the greatest ways to protect against the weather, but they make one hell of an accessory too. You may be reading this and shaking your head,”Hats? Not my jam.” If you have designated yourself as “not a hat person” then you aren’t aware of how to buy the perfect hat. That’s where McCoo’s comes in.

Buy A Shape That Fits Your Face

Everyone’s facial structure is different but for the purpose of haircuts, make-up, and hats, four facial types have been created. There are a ton of resources out there to help you determine your face shape but a quick way is to draw the following shapes on a picture and see how the angles of your bone structure line up.

DIAMOND FACE SHAPE: A moderate to wide brim is best for you!

OBLONG FACE SHAPE: Try hats with a brim like a baseball hat, or a cap like newsboys hat.

ROUND FACE: You can rock angular hat and asymmetrical shapes.

SQUARE FACE: Look for softer designs.

Buy A Hat That’s The Right Size

For the best results, grab a tape measure and have someone else measure your head. The tape measure should be placed around the widest part of the head, just above the eyebrows and the ears. It should wrap around the widest part of the back of the head and all the way back to the front And BAM, you have your hat size, use it wisely!

Head Size (cm)

Hat Size

53

XS

54-55

S

56-57

M

58-59

L

60-61

XL

62-63

XXL

Buy A Hat That Suits Your Coloring

Neon yellow may look sweet but chances are, it won’t bring out your eyes unless you’re a cat, werewolf or vampire. There are specific colors that will though:

BEST HAT COLOUR FOR YOUR COMPLEXION:

Ruddy: Brown, Blue, Gray

Dark: Brown

Darker Olive: Brown or Green

Pale: Dark Blue, Gray

BEST HAT COLOR FOR YOUR HAIR COLOR:

Auburn, Red: Brown, Green, Blue

Blonde: Brown, Green, Gray

Brown: Gray, Green

Gray Hair: Green, Gray

Buy A Hat That Fits Your Needs

Your life could change with the right hat. Well maybe that’s a bit of an overstatement but a new hat could make your life a bit easier and more enjoyable. You see, when outdoor activities are a big part of your day to day, a hat can ward off the sun, cover up helmet hair, and act as a mosquito swatter, all in one go.

With these great tips for buying the perfect hat, you will be able to find one that changes your life or adds to it (depending on how you want to look at it). You really can’t go wrong by making a hat part of your everyday apparel. And for all your other Whistler apparel needs, visit McCoo’s!

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 Build A Whistler Wardrobe You Can Be Proud Of

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How To Build A Whistler Wardrobe You Can Be Proud Of

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Many of us find ourselves on numerous occasions (ladies, we are talking to you!) staring into our closet and feeling like we have nothing to wear. The irony is, in Whistler, you probably have too many clothes. Where are they all, you ask? Most of them are most likely activity specific and right under your nose. We aren’t saying these activity specific items of clothing are fashion faux-pas (everyone knows a toque can be worn all year long and at a fine dining restaurant in Whistler). In fact, we are here to help you build a Whistler wardrobe you can be proud of that includes your beloved toque and ski jacket!

Build a foundation

In addition to the essentials that you find yourself living in (Jacket, aforementioned toque, and your base layer), there are a few key items that you should be sure to have available. These pieces should be practical and classic. Our spring RVCA line contains many items that you will want to have around for the next 5 years.

KEY PIECE: A classic dress that you can dress up or dress down such as the RVCA Jean Dress.

Look for functionality

Ask yourself this question when you are looking to purchase a piece of clothing,”Will I look good in this camping as well as the bar?” If the answer is no, put that back where you found it! Now if the answer is yes, ring it up! Clothing that can withstand Whistler activities and be part of your everyday fashion choices are precisely what you should be filling your closet up with!

KEY PIECE: RVCA Bomber Jacket. This piece will keep you warm, cozy both around the fire and before you heat up on the dance floor!

Aim for versatility

One of the problems with living in Whistler and having a wardrobe that can take you from the slopes to work and then to the bar is just that- the need for your clothing to withstand a whole day of activities. Aim for pieces that can be either casual or dressy and that can be paired with other items in your closet.

KEY PIECE: A RipCurl Flannel. Button this bad boy up for a more conservative look or wear it around the waist as a quick fix for a chill on a cool spring afternoon.

Quality over quantity

Purchase clothing that meets all of the above criteria and you won’t spend a minute more than you should, searching through a multitude of clothing in your closet. Think less is more.

KEY PIECE: MyPakage Underwear are durable and breathable so as long as you have a few pairs to not need to do laundry every day…you’re good!

Come by McCoo’s for one of our staff members to help you pick out a Whistler wardrobe you would be proud of!

 

 

The Karma Stabilizer For GoPro

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The Karma Stabilizer For GoPro

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McCoo’s is very excited to announce that we will be carrying the Karma Stabilizer for GoPro in store. GoPro has only released a small amount of this product to retail stores in Canada and we can’t wait to get our hands on it! But what exactly is a stabilizer and why is this such a desired and sought after piece of equipment? We’ve got the lowdown on why the Karma Stabilizer for GoPro is a must have!

What is a stabilizer?

A stabilizer is a thing used to keep something steady or stable. For video footage, it is a device designed to hold the camera in a manner that prevents or compensates for unwanted movement such as shake. This is generally achieved with very small motors tilting to accommodate for changes on an axis.

Why use a stabilizer?

Generally speaking, if you are using a GoPro handheld or even on a mount, you will find that your footage is shaky. This can severely affect the overall quality of the footage and make watching it a challenge, to say the least. The electronic image stabilization in the new Hero5 camera can help reduce shakiness and there is the possibility of removing some of the unwanted movement in your editing program, but neither will be enough to make that smooth, shake-free and easy to watch video that you will want to post online. So, to get the high quality and consistent footage you need to make a killer snowboarding or skiing edit, a stabilizer is needed.

What Makes The Karma Stabilizer for GoPro so good?

There are many stabilizers on the market designed to carry a GoPro but if there is one thing they have it common, it’s that they don’t last. The Karma was made to hold your GoPro so you won’t have to struggle with it staying securely in place. What’s more, it works as a single unit meaning you can offload footage without unplugging and charge both devices at the same time. It is also handheld and wearable to maximize it’s capacity and your creativity when capturing incredibly smooth video.

Tech Specs for the nerds out there:

Karma Stabilizer:

Dimensions Length: 6in (149mm)
Width: 4.3in (109mm)
Height: 3.3in (83mm)
Weight: 8.5oz (242g)

Karma Grip:

Dimensions Length: 8in (205mm)
Width: 1.7in (43mm)
Height: 1.7in (43mm)
Weight: 8.62oz (244.6g)
Battery Life 1 hour 45 minutes
Voltage 5-15V, 3A
Charging Time Supercharger 1 hour 50 minutes
Charging Time Standard 1A Charger: 6 hours

The Karma Stabilizer for GoPro will help you create smooth and shake-free video footage like the pros do that can be made into an edit or integrated into other footage from another camera. To find our more about theKarma Stabilizer for GoPro or to speak directly to one of our staff members about purchasing one, contact McCoo’s today!

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!

Fall Adventure Gear Guide

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Fall Adventure Gear Guide

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Fall in Whistler is considered a transitional season, meaning that we are sad summer is gone and can’t wait for winter get here. It may seem like a season that is forever spent anticipating what’s next but it is actually a great time to be outdoors. Hiking, biking, and adventuring are still possible but do require a bit more preparation with the variable conditions that accompanies the change in seasons. With autumn comes cooler days, rain and variable weather conditions that are sure to test your gear’s performance. We gathered up the best fall adventure gear so you can get out, have fun and get your mind off of waiting for snow!

Jacket

The consistency of summer has been left behind and in its place, fall with its unpredictable weather patterns has moved in. Don’t get caught in a rain storm or unseasonable cold winds- an Orage, Rip Curl or Oakley jacket will protect you from the elements and ensure that your adventure continues despite the weather!

Toque

Did you know most of the heat is lost through your head? Who are we kidding, we can’t confirm that fact but what we do know, is that it’s better and not wetter when your head is warm and dry! McCoo’s has got all the toques, in all the styles that are an easy transition from one season to the next. Did we mention toque season is the best season?

Socks

Wet feet can be the difference between a good time and a bad time. Stance socks not only look great but they are built for performance as well. Hook yourself up with a pair designed for snow and have warm tootsies until next year when your feet emerge from hibernation and are back in sandals again.

Action Cam

Summer is a bit more predictable- nice weather, bikinis, lake days, etc. But fall, who knows what fall is going to throw at you. Monsoons, wild winds, early snow… Okay, maybe we are exaggerating its wildness but whatever is going to happen, you’re going to want to catch it on camera. Get an action cam- either a GoPro, Contour or Ion camera and make everyone jealous of what a rad fall your having!

Tools

Always be prepared for the unexpected. Throw in an RC or a Bakoda tool in your backpack for leveling up on being prepared.

Base Layer

We haven’t decided if we love it or hate it yet, but it’s gotten cold. This may just be the ultimate limiting factor when getting outside and getting among all the autumn adventures. The best solution is to dress for the weather and a proper base later from Smart Wool or Kombi will help regulate your temperature.

Don’t make autumn a waiting game. With McCoo’s fall gear advice, there should be nothing stopping you from getting outside and enjoying all the adventures that you can before the snow arrives. If you pick your gear right, you’ll be getting ready for winter without even knowing it!

What Action Cam Is Best For You!

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What Action Cam Is Best For You!

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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

gopro-hero4-black-08

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

whistler-action-camera

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

ion-whistler-camera

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!

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.