Today, smack dab in the middle of a potentially record-breaking summer heat wave, we were treated to a tour of Mountain Equipment Co-op‘s mean, green Vancouver head office (with high-tech lighting and air-control systems, this stunning 112,000-square-foot space is an estimated 70 per cent more energy efficient than conventional Canadian office buildings, plus boasts virtually unheard-of employee amenities like a cross-fit gym-slash-yoga studio and bouldering (i.e., indoor climbing) room) in order to scope some of the company’s 2017 holiday offerings. And, in light of MEC’s current Good Times Outside campaign, we couldn’t help but think, man, we’re actually having a pretty Good Time Inside right now!
So, yes, it was Christmas in July, and we were treated to a real bevy of stellar stocking stuffers and gift ideas that, no, are not just for the hard-core mountain climbers in your life. From kayaks (the company is finally launching its own line) to smart watches, it became pretty clear pretty quickly that we could get all of our holiday shopping done in one go at our local MEC store (or, indeed, online). Among the highlights: the world’s smallest fanny pack (stretchy enough to fit your smartphone, keys and cash); a truly travel-friendly water bottle (it collapses to the size of a tea saucer, more or less); a campfire-side espresso maker (just what us is-there-a-Starbucks-close-to-the-campsite-ers have been praying for); self-heating gloves (with three warm-n-cosy settings); a credit card-shaped Swiss Army Knife (slips right into your wallet); cute patterned kiddie backpacks (with winter coats to match); and fuzzy bear suits for newborn babes (now in actual teddy bear colour!).
We also had our eye on the Outpost Pack (sleek, stylish and very Alexander Wang-like) and the lovely-for-layering Caledonia Zip in Indigo Heather (did you know the all-black "goth jock" active look is transitioning to dark blues for the coming season?). Note that this is a very edited list—we were blown away by the large and versatile range of ideas on offer at MEC. Consider yourself informed, well ahead of "Ho Ho Ho" time. —Noa Nichol
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